Monaco striker Martial set to join Manchester United

PARIS (Reuters) - Monaco forward Anthony Martial is poised to join Manchester United after being allowed to leave the France training camp to sign his contract on deadline day, the French federation said on Monday.

http://ift.tt/1LQ0rXC

Leverkusen swoop for Man United striker Hernandez

BERLIN (Reuters) - Bayer Leverkusen have bought Mexico striker Javier Hernandez from Manchester United as they look to plug the gap left by South Korean Son Heung-min who joined Tottenham Hotspur last week.

http://ift.tt/1KAHjvd

Monaco striker Martial set to join Manchester United

PARIS (Reuters) - Monaco forward Anthony Martial is poised to join Manchester United after being allowed to leave the France training camp to sign his contract on deadline day, the French federation said on Monday.

http://ift.tt/1Iz0Upz

Amiridzwan’s timely return to shore up defence in WC qualifier

PETALING JAYA: The timing of lanky defender Amiridzwan Taj Tajuddin’s return to the national football team could not be better.

http://ift.tt/1hOyWkM

Cook Islands win first ever World Cup qualifier

(Reuters) - Taylor Saghabi struck a hat-trick as the Cook Islands kicked-off Oceania's Road to Russia 2018 on Monday by beating hosts Tonga 3-0 to record their first ever World Cup qualifying win.

http://ift.tt/1hOyWkK

Roma hand Juve second successive league defeat

MILAN (Reuters) - After losing only three league games last season Juventus have now lost the first two of the new campaign as a deserved 2-1 defeat at AS Roma on Sunday condemned the champions to their worst-ever Serie A start.

http://ift.tt/1IwmT0v

Kagawa shines as Dortmund reclaim top spot

BERLIN (Reuters) - Japan international Shinji Kagawa helped set up two goals as Borussia Dortmund beat Hertha Berlin 3-1 on Sunday to go back top of the Bundesliga, ahead of champions Bayern Munich, on goal difference.

http://ift.tt/1IwmTO6

Malaysia in spot of bother ahead of World Cup qualifier

PETALING JAYA: The clock is ticking and it doesn’t look good for Malaysia ahead of the 2018 World Cup second round Asian Zone Group A match against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

http://ift.tt/1Uftd8P

Tadic brace gives Southampton lift-off

LONDON (Reuters) - Dusan Tadic's brace gave Southampton's stuttering Premier League campaign lift-off with a comfortable 3-0 victory over promoted Norwich City at St Mary's on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1JENUUE

Former player Pei Tty hopes to be a good coach

KUALA LUMPUR: From a successful player to a good coach.

http://ift.tt/1KvpL3K

Wan Wah flattered to be on BAM coaching shortlist

KUALA LUMPUR: Former international Lee Wan Wah is surprised that he has been listed as one of the candidates for the men’s doubles coaching job with the BAM.

http://ift.tt/1Ju9WZ6

Frightening pace was too much for Chelsea, says Pardew

LONDON (Reuters) - Crystal Palace's "frightening" pace was too much for London rivals Chelsea, said manager Alan Pardew after the Premier League champions slumped to a shock 2-1 home defeat on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1X1PhT4

Mourinho aims dig at Chelsea performance and spirit

LONDON (Reuters) - Jose Mourinho blamed an under-performing handful of his multi-millionaire Chelsea players and a bad refereeing decision after suffering the second home defeat of his 200-match Premier League career on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1hMw1t5

Malacca return to Premier League football after five years

PETALING JAYA: It was a proud moment for Malacca as they won the FAM Cup with a bunch of drop-outs.

http://ift.tt/1F8JboX

New strikers give Milan first Serie A win of season

MILAN (Reuters) - Newcomers Carlos Bacca and Luiz Adriano bagged their debut goals in Serie A to give AC Milan their first points of the season with a 2-1 home win over Empoli on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1hMw4oE

Goal-shy Arsenal continue to stutter

LONDON (Reuters) - Touted by many as title challengers before the season Arsenal have failed to set the Premier League alight and it is their goal-shy attack rather than defensive vulnerability which has highlighted their underwhelming start this campaign.

http://ift.tt/1fNzJR2

Two more milestones for Mourinho

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho reaches two more milestones at the club in Saturday's Premier League game at home to London rivals Crystal Palace.

http://ift.tt/1WZKOAl

Platini ducks FIFA talk, praises his work at UEFA

MONACO (Reuters) - Michel Platini declined to discuss his bid for the FIFA presidency on Friday, preferring instead to deliver a glowing assessment of his own performance in charge of European soccer's governing body UEFA.

http://ift.tt/1fNzLZd

Malaysia held by cricket-nation in football friendly

PETALING JAYA: Malaysian football hit another low when they were held to a goalless draw against Bangladesh.

http://ift.tt/1Kkzb3A

Daren out to prove he's far from over

KUALA LUMPUR: Liew Daren doggedly wants to prove that his career is far from finished.

http://ift.tt/1Jsqj8z

Europe exchange programme to benefit Malaysian badminton

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian badminton are turning to Europe to churn out better players on and off the court.

http://ift.tt/1Ub8Byu

Kelantan lifts President's Cup for record sixth time

GEORGE TOWN: Kelantan played with 10 men for more than half an hour and still managed to take home a record sixth President’s Cup title.

http://ift.tt/1i7D0fV

Hotshot Jafri to be rested against Myanmar in Under-19 championship

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s top striker Muhd Jafri Chew will skip the final Group B match against Myanmar in the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-19 Championship in Vientiane, Laos.

http://ift.tt/1VigLCi

Dollah in a fix to assemble a decent side against Bangladesh

PETALING JAYA: National coach Dollah Salleh is fighting a losing battle.

http://ift.tt/1VigL5c

Chelsea pursuing China defender Zhang - report

(Reuters) - Chelsea have made an offer for China and Guangzhou Evergrande defender Zhang Linpeng, Chinese media reported on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1i7CVJ0

FAM chief calls for affiliates to man up for their mistakes

PETALING JAYA: Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah has hit out at the affiliates for their “unsporting attitude” and “uncalled for criticisms” against the national body.

http://ift.tt/1hhxpTp

Pedro arrival will make Hazard even better, Courtois says

(Reuters) - Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says new signing Pedro will help Eden Hazard, last season's Premier League player of the year, to become even better.

http://ift.tt/1i4sdTH

AFC Cup hope dented for Pahang after 4-0 rout by Istiklol

PETALING JAYA: Pahang’s campaign in the AFC Cup competition is virtually over.

http://ift.tt/1hhxoit

Chelsea, City seek to restore home advantage

LONDON (Reuters) - Last season's top two, Chelsea and Manchester City, are keen to reverse the most striking statistic of the new Premier League season this weekend - and they are not the only ones.

http://ift.tt/1i4sgyU

Wan Wah in the shortlist to replace Kim Her

KUALA LUMPUR: Former men’s doubles star Lee Wan Wah is in the running to replace doubles coach Tan Kim Her in the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) set-up.

http://ift.tt/1PV59Sz

Another coach walks out of BAM

KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) have lost their eighth coach in eight months.

http://ift.tt/1IgdDgK

Journeyman Hairuddin to make his 16th show in Malaysia Cup

PETALING JAYA: Armed Forces skipper Hairuddin Omar has played in 15 consecutive Malaysia Cup competitions. He’ll make that 16, now.

http://ift.tt/1LwwdWM

Fight for place to draw the best out of Arsenal - Bellerin

(Reuters) - Competition for places at Arsenal will ensure no one can take their first-team place for granted and keep the squad performing at their highest levels, according to defender Hector Bellerin.

http://ift.tt/1MNvnqc

Van Gaal tips United's Fellaini to succeed up front

(Reuters) - Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal hinted he could play Belgium international midfielder Marouane Fellaini, who scored seven goals last season, higher up the field this campaign.

http://ift.tt/1Jvbb71

West Brom reject second Spurs bid for striker Berahino

(Reuters) - West Bromwich Albion have rejected a second bid from Tottenham Hotspur, reportedly in the region of 22 million pounds, for unsettled English striker Saido Berahino, according to a statement on the club website.

http://ift.tt/1i15urF

Five-star Spain as Valencia make Champions League history

(Reuters) - Spain became the first nation to have five teams in the Champions League group stage in a single season after Valencia squeezed past Monaco 4-3 on aggregate in the playoff round despite a 2-1 defeat at the French side on Tuesday.

http://ift.tt/1NTsqTG

Arsenal visit Tottenham in mouth-watering League Cup draw

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal must travel to last season's League Cup runners-up Tottenham Hotspur after the draw for the third round made on Tuesday threw up several mouth-watering local derbies.

http://ift.tt/1NTsqD4

National shuttler Soon Huat in a bind after loss in Vietnam

KUALA LUMPUR: Shuttler Goh Soon Huat has put himself in a very tough spot in the national team.

http://ift.tt/1hFkKdO

JDT fail to take full points in AFC Cup match at home

JOHOR BARU: Newly crowned Super League champions JDT failed to make full use of home ground advantage when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Hong Kong’s South China in the first-leg of the AFC Cup quarter-finals.

http://ift.tt/1Nzjbeh

Safety first for Pahang in AFC Cup match

PETALING JAYA: Pahang coach Zainal Abidin Hassan will opt for a safety-first approach in their AFC Cup quarter-final first-leg match against Tajikistan champions FC Istiklol.

http://ift.tt/1Nzjcig

Ranieri backs Leicester's Vardy for England call up

(Reuters) - Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri has tipped "warrior" forward Jamie Vardy to be called up for England's European Championship qualifiers against San Marino and Switzerland next month.

http://ift.tt/1hbLjqj

Cuadrado joins Juventus on loan from Chelsea

LONDON (Reuters) - Colombian winger Juan Cuadrado joined Italian champions Juventus on Tuesday on a season-long loan from Chelsea, both clubs announced.

http://ift.tt/1Nzj8PL

Improving Peng Soon-Liu Ying eye good show in Vietnam

KUALA LUMPUR: Buoyed by a big leap in the world rankings, mixed doubles shuttlers Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying are eyeing a good showing in the Vietnam Open Grand Prix.

http://ift.tt/1JwHrey

Zulfadli’s rise in rankings will push BAM players - coach

KUALA LUMPUR: Independent shuttler Zulfadli Zulkiffli is ranked higher than national player Chong Wei Feng in the latest world rankings.

http://ift.tt/1ETme94

Rodgers hails defensive cohesion against 'top-class' Arsenal

(Reuters) - Manager Brendan Rodgers hailed the return of Liverpool's high-intensity pressing after the club's third clean sheet in a row during Monday's 0-0 draw at Arsenal and said their defensive cohesion would allow the team's creative talents to flourish.

http://ift.tt/1U3O3bc

West Brom reject striker Saido Berahino's transfer request

(Reuters) - West Bromwich Albion have rejected a transfer request from striker Saido Berahino, a target for Tottenham Hotspur, according to a statement on the club website.

http://ift.tt/1U3O3ba

Injuries disrupt Argentina World Cup qualifying build-up

BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - Argentina have lost four injured or unfit players for their September tour of Texas including Angel Di Maria and Javier Pastore, the Argentine FA said on Monday.

http://ift.tt/1LulKuZ

June Wei and Satheish lay down marker for world junior meet

KUALA LUMPUR: Cheam June Wei and R. Satheishtharan have strengthened their places in the squad for the World Junior Badminton Championships in Peru in October.

http://ift.tt/1NPyVXL

Super League champs JDT ready to ‘fly’ in AFC Cup

JOHOR BARU: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are in buoyant mood for Tuesday night’s AFC Cup quarter-final, first-leg match against Hong Kong’s South China.

http://ift.tt/1U9tViA

Sime Darby players to fight for their futures in Malaysia Cup playoff

PETALING JAYA: Sime Darby coach Ismail Zakaria wants his players to treat their Malaysia Cup playoff against Premier League side JDT II on Tuesday night as an audition.

http://ift.tt/1hWAmJV

Real held at Gijon, Suarez earns Barca win in Bilbao

MADRID (Reuters) - Rafa Benitez suffered an embarrassing setback in his first La Liga outing in charge of Real Madrid when they were held to a 0-0 draw at promoted Sporting Gijon in their opening match of the season on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1hV18lZ

Record-equalling Man City begin season in ominous form

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester City's impressive 2-0 victory at Everton on Sunday equalled a club record of nine successive Premier League wins but more importantly sent an ominous warning to their rivals.

http://ift.tt/1hV1aKo

Juve slump to opening day home defeat by Udinese

MILAN (Reuters) - Serie A champions Juventus slumped to a shock 1-0 home defeat against Udinese in their opening game of the new league season on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1U8P7VO

JDT captain: We are worthy champions

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) skipper Mohd Safiq Rahim reckons his side were worthy winners after they successfully retained their Super League crown.

http://ift.tt/1ENZuYc

Shuttler Zulfadli shaken but ready to fight on in Vietnam

PETALING JAYA: Independent shuttler Zulfadli Zulkiffli was robbed, but he hopes to regain his composure to pose a threat in the men’s singles at the Vietnam Open.

http://ift.tt/1JoZTkU

Klang back on winning track in Junior Purple League

PETALING JAYA: Klang United Badminton Club recovered from an opening day loss to defeat high-flying Cheras BC in the Junior Purple League.

http://ift.tt/1EcSkC7

Champions Chelsea swoop for Brazilian teenager Kenedy

LONDON (Reuters) - Premier League champions Chelsea continued to strengthen their squad by signing 19-year-old Brazilian winger Kenedy from Fluminense on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1fyXA79

Dynamic Bournemouth can compete with anyone, says Howe

LONDON (Reuters) - Bournemouth's 4-3 win over West Ham United on Saturday, their first-ever Premier League victory, will give the promoted side belief that they can compete with any team in the top flight, according to manager Eddie Howe.

http://ift.tt/1EcwDBZ

Pochettino angered by Spurs inability to maintain leads

(Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino was angry after his side surrendered the lead for the second straight week in a 1-1 Premier League draw at in-form Leicester City on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1EcwFdk

Lewandowski's late goal hands Bayern 2-1 win at Hoffenheim

BERLIN (Reuters) - Champions Bayern Munich scored a 90th minute winner through Robert Lewandowski to edge past Hoffenheim 2-1 on Saturday, with the champions reduced to 10 men following the second-half dismissal of defender Jerome Boateng.

http://ift.tt/1Lpahgh

Penang ‘on top of the world’ with Super League promotion

GEORGE TOWN: Penang are in dreamland after confirming their return to the Super League next season.

http://ift.tt/1hRsFEP

United held to goalless draw by dogged Newcastle

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester United's 100 percent start to the Premier League season ended after they were held to a frustrating goalless draw against Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1Nsufd2

Zulkarnain wins maiden international badminton title

PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin finally earned an international breakthrough in his career after clinching the Singapore International Series.

http://ift.tt/1MEvDI5

JDT on the cusp of another Super League title

JOHOR BARU: The Super League title is for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) to lose.

http://ift.tt/1NBv96e

Soccer-Mourinho loves Pedro's ambition, unhappy with players

LONDON (Reuters) - Spanish international Pedro's desire to leave one of the biggest clubs in the world to further his career was a key factor in persuading Chelsea to sign him from Barcelona, manager Jose Mourinho said on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1fxEdeG

United game a big test of character, says Newcastle's McClaren

(Reuters) - Newcastle United manager Steve McClaren has said his side face "a big test of character" against Manchester United on Saturday and that his team cannot be judged fairly until they have played 12 Premier League games, according to a local media report.

http://ift.tt/1JsNsL2

Liverpool's midfield options suit Rodgers' style, says Milner

(Reuters) - Liverpool's James Milner says the club have enough options in midfield to implement the high-energy pressing style favoured by manager Brendan Rodgers.

http://ift.tt/1JsNuT6

Felda United ready to spoil it all for JDT

PETALING JAYA: Felda United are set to play party poopers again.

http://ift.tt/1TZjVrZ

T-Team's big win puzzles Penang

GEORGE TOWN: The gloves are off in the battle for the Premier League’s two promotion spots.

http://ift.tt/1TZjRZm

United need to maintain winning start, says Smalling

(Reuters) - Manchester United centre back Chris Smalling said the team must continue their winning start to the season when they welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1E6a9mc

Spurs midfielder Mason eyes full game against Leicester

(Reuters) - After spending eight weeks out with a knee injury, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Ryan Mason says he is almost back to full fitness and hopes to get a full 90 minutes under his belt for the first time this season against Leicester City on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1PnK4zt

Rooney sure he will rediscover scoring touch for United

(Reuters) - Wayne Rooney believes the criticism directed at him for the lack of goals for Manchester United is unwarranted and is confident he will soon rediscover his scoring touch.

http://ift.tt/1E6a8Pg

Milan look set to put years of mediocrity behind them

MILAN (Reuters) - With a new coach, a new investor and possibly a new stadium on the way, AC Milan look as if they can finally put several years of confusion and mediocrity behind them in Serie A this season.

http://ift.tt/1E6a5Tz

Chong Wei to Zulfadli: Come to BAM and you’ll go far

SEPANG: Lee Chong Wei has picked Zulfadli Zulkiffli as his successor... but

http://ift.tt/1K5Vg46

Amelia-Fie Cho going places after stellar run at worlds

PETALING JAYA: Doubles pair Amelia Alicia Anscelly-Soong Fie Cho have earned more playing time to stack their credentials.

http://ift.tt/1MCXxWv

Leicester sign Swiss captain Gokhan Inler from Napoli

(Reuters) - Leicester City have confirmed the signing of Switzerland captain Gokhan Inler on a three-year-contract from Italian club Napoli for an undisclosed fee.

http://ift.tt/1Nu45pu

There is no price tag on Mueller, say Bayern

BERLIN (Reuters) - Bayern Munich said they have no interest in selling Thomas Mueller, despite a reported offer from Manchester United to sign the versatile attacking midfielder.

http://ift.tt/1E3geja

Lallana backs Liverpool plan for winning raid at Arsenal

(Reuters) - Midfielder Adam Lallana says Liverpool have devised a plan to come away with the win when they take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, the London Evening Standard reported.

http://ift.tt/1ECiYic

Okazaki says changed game to adapt to Premier League

(Reuters) - Leicester City summer recruit Shinji Okazaki says he is reaping the benefit of changing his game to adapt to the demands of Premier League football.

http://ift.tt/1J34YlV

Benitez unconcerned by misfiring Real Madrid attack

MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid coach Rafa Benitez is not worried about his side's relative goal drought in their final warm-up matches before they begin their La Liga campaign on Sunday with a trip to promoted Sporting Gijon.

http://ift.tt/1K5sDUT

West Brom turn down Spurs bid for Berahino

LONDON, Aug 18 (Reuters) - - West Bromwich Albion have rejected an offer for Saido Berahino from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and have no interest in selling the England under-21 striker, chairman Jeremy Peace said on Tuesday.

http://ift.tt/1K5sGzL

Chung denies wrongdoing in payments to Haiti, Pakistan

SEOUL (Reuters) - FIFA presidential candidate Chung Mong-joon said on Wednesday that payments he made to Haiti and Pakistan in 2010 were "charitable donations" and any attempt to use them as part of a reported ethics investigation was "cynical and unethical".

http://ift.tt/1K5sDUP

Familiar foes in Chong Wei’s path again at Japan Open

PETALING JAYA: Shuttler Lee Chong Wei is set for another showdown with two of his biggest nemeses – Chen Long and Lin Dan of China – in the Japan Open from Sept 8-13.

http://ift.tt/1MAtYF2

Pahang’s Nwakaeme cool with two matches to go

PETALING JAYA: It’s squeaky-bum time in the Super League title race, but Pahang striker Dickson Nwakaeme is keeping his cool.

http://ift.tt/1LiN3eA

Bilbao hold off Barca to claim Spanish Super Cup

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Athletic Bilbao claimed their first silverware in more than three decades when they wrapped up a 5-1 aggregate win over 10-man Barcelona to win the Spanish Super Cup on Monday and unleash ecstatic celebrations in the Basque city.

http://ift.tt/1NgAel7

Rodgers hails Benteke impact after win at Bournemouth

(Reuters) - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said Christian Benteke gives his side a different dimension and hailed his performance against Bournemouth on Monday after the Belgian international scored on his home debut to make it two wins out of two in the Premier League.

http://ift.tt/1Lhh3od

Goetze should be left in peace to improve, say Bayern

BERLIN (Reuters) - German champions Bayern Munich have urged for an end to the ongoing transfer speculation regarding attacking midfielder Mario Goetze, with the Germany international still without a starting spot in his third season at the club.

http://ift.tt/1NgAe4O

United feeling pressure ahead of Bruges visit - Van Gaal

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester United are feeling the pressure ahead of their Champions League qualifier against Club Bruges on Tuesday, according to manager Louis van Gaal.

http://ift.tt/1Lga7I6

Real's Benitez seeking balance between defence and attack

MADRID (Reuters) - In his first season in charge at Real Madrid, Rafa Benitez faces a delicate balancing act between allowing his formidable attack the freedom to perform and preventing opponents exploiting any defensive weakness.

http://ift.tt/1MyeQbe

Swansea's Shelvey hopes to push for England return

(Reuters) - Swansea City midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is satisfied with his early season form and hopes he can impress England manager Roy Hodgson enough to earn a recall.

http://ift.tt/1MyeNfr

Heartfelt apology from Hendrawan after final failure

JAKARTA: Former world champion Hendrawan of Indonesia delivered a grovelling apology after he could not produce a world champion for Malaysia.

http://ift.tt/1hICUv7

World Championships: Frost sees hope for Malaysian badminton

JAKARTA: Malaysia failed to win a title but there were some positives to be taken from the World Championships.

http://ift.tt/1MwTk6x

Ramos agrees to extend Real contract until 2020

MADRID (Reuters) - Real Madrid's Spain defender Sergio Ramos has agreed to extend his contract with the La Liga club until 2020, ending speculation he could join English Premier League side Manchester United.

http://ift.tt/1Puz4ki

Korea's Chung says Platini, Blatter like 'father and son'

PARIS (Reuters) - South Korea's Chung Mong-joon tore into Michel Platini on Monday, saying his French rival for the presidency of FIFA was like a son to Sepp Blatter, the outgoing chief of football's scandal-hit governing body.

http://ift.tt/1DZlFiV

Chelsea have time to pick up lost points, says Begovic

(Reuters) - Failure to convert chances hurt Chelsea during Sunday's 3-0 loss at Manchester City but the champions have enough time to pick up the points they have dropped in their opening two matches, the club's summer recruit Asmir Begovic has said.

http://ift.tt/1JlPP2h

Oceania to hear New Zealand Olympics disqualification appeal next week

WELLINGTON (Reuters) - New Zealand Football's appeal against their disqualification from Oceania's Olympic qualifying final will be heard on Aug. 24 and 25, the Oceania Football Confederation said on Monday.

http://ift.tt/1KqVz5q

Kompany takes more pride in clean sheets than scoring goals

(Reuters) - Captain Vincent Kompany has scored in both of Manchester City's Premier League games this season but the clean sheets the club kept during the two wins gave the central defender more pleasure.

http://ift.tt/1Puxhf8

Anger driving City to new heights, says Pellegrini

LONDON (Reuters) - Manuel Pellegrini said his Manchester City players were "hungry and angry" after being eclipsed last season by Chelsea and the evidence was everywhere on Sunday as they crushed the Premier League champions 3-0 at a rocking Etihad Stadium.

http://ift.tt/1UNgsPJ

Arsenal up and running after win at Palace

LONDON (Reuters) - Damien Delaney's own goal allowed Arsenal to kickstart their Premier League season with a 2-1 away victory in the London derby against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1PtgfhF

Doubles jubilation for Indonesia

JAKARTA: Doubles shuttlers Mohd Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan gave Indonesia an extra reason to celebrate the nation’s 70th independence day on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1HPx284

Chen Long ends the barren spell in Indonesia

JAKARTA: Tears of joy trickled down Chen Long’s face as he lifted his second World Badminton Championships title.

http://ift.tt/1Ww2KCm

Marin pays tribute to fans after victory

JAKARTA: “Terima kasih kepada semua,” said Carolina Marin to the delight of the Indonesian fans after defending her world title in style.

http://ift.tt/1JkuEO2

Kepong, Cheras on song in Junior Purple League

PETALING JAYA: Kepong Badminton Club and Cheras Badminton Club are the early pace-setters of the Junior Purple League.

http://ift.tt/1JkuEh9

Pahang ready to battle for Super League title till the end

PETALING JAYA: Pahang coach Zainal Abidin Hassan conceded that the Super League title will go down to the wire with two more matches to play.

http://ift.tt/1Mv7cy5

Kelantan a depleted force for next Super League clash

PETALING JAYA: Kelantan paid a heavy price for their big win over Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT).

http://ift.tt/1HPgmgZ

JDT lose advantage of leading Super League challenge

PETALING JAYA: Fancied Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) run-in to the Super League title took a severe jolt when they lost 4-1 to Kelantan.

http://ift.tt/1MtIXk5

Lukaku double fires Everton to victory at Southampton

LONDON (Reuters) - Two excellent first-half goals by Romelu Lukaku inspired Everton to an emphatic 3-0 victory at Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1UKMR9r

Chen Long all fired up to end China's jinx at Istora Senayan

JAKARTA: LIN Dan’s defeat has fuelled up the fire in Chen Long to earnestly end China’s 26-year men’s singles title drought at the enigmatic Istora Senayan.

http://ift.tt/1hdvPT6

Top seeds advance to world finals in Jakarta

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Chen Long and Carolina Marin enjoyed contrasting semi-final victories on a good day for the top seeds and defending title holders at the badminton world championships on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1TFt4px

Difficult customer Marin on course to defend her title

JAKARTA: Spaniard Carolina Marin can be a very “difficult” opponent.

http://ift.tt/1MpRxyE

No big deal for Indonesia despite failure of men's singles

JAKARTA: None of Indonesia’s men’s singles players starred in their own backyard.

http://ift.tt/1MpRwL4

Tight battle for Premier League title and promotion berths

GEORGE TOWN: The battle for the Premier League title and the two Super League promotion spots will go down the wire.

http://ift.tt/1IQGJqN

Aduriz hat-trick helps Bilbao hammer Barca 4-0

BILBAO (Reuters) - Aritz Aduriz's second half hat-trick sent Barcelona spinning to a shock 4-0 defeat at Athletic Bilbao in the first leg of the Spanish Super Cup on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1JiP4aj

Window is a pain, say English top flight managers

LONDON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - The circus that is the transfer window has become as much a part of the entertainment experience as the football but, with the season now in full swing, managers have had enough of all the absurd moving and shaking intrigue.

http://ift.tt/1J5I8Xv

Selangor salvaging for pride in Super League

PETALING JAYA: Former champions Selangor have been reduced to fighting for pride in the Super League.

http://ift.tt/1J5IbCH

Mueller double leads Bayern to five-goal stroll

MUNICH (Reuters) - Champions Bayern Munich crushed Hamburg SV 5-0 in the Bundesliga's season opener on Friday after a scintillating performance that set an early marker in their hunt for an unprecedented fourth straight title.

http://ift.tt/1J5I8Xt

Slovakia stint for Harimau Muda C a success

PETALING JAYA: The Harimau Muda C’s playing tour of Slovakia was a roaring success.

http://ift.tt/1LaE107

Amelia-Fie Cho aiming to be in the top-10

JAKARTA: Rejuvenated Amelia Anscelly-Soong Fie Cho have set a target to be in the top-10 after their gallant run in Jakarta.

http://ift.tt/1JX5p3b

Malaysia dealt with a tough hand with just one pair

JAKARTA: Sometimes in poker having one pair is just not good enough.

http://ift.tt/1UHDpnj

Kento vows to end losing streak to champion Chen

JAKARTA: The female fans in Jakarta are going gaga over Japanese hotshot Kento Momota.

http://ift.tt/1UHDozy

Chen survives marathon as top seeds advance

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Top seed and defending champion Chen Long survived a mammoth second-game tussle to advance to the semi-finals of the badminton world championships with a 21-18 30-29 victory over Danish seventh seed Viktor Axelson on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1UHDnMj

Arsenal's response to defeat will define season - Wenger

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal need to respond with quality and belief when they take on Crystal Palace following their painful season-opening Premier League defeat against West Ham United, manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1LayXJo

Chanturu: It ain't easy to beat Kelantan at home

PETALING JAYA: Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are wary of Kelantan’s indomitable fighting spirit at home.

http://ift.tt/1LbAxxm

City's Aguero racing to be fit for Chelsea clash

(Reuters) - Manchester City striker Sergio Aguero is racing against time to be fully fit in order to start Sunday's Premier League clash against defending champions Chelsea.

http://ift.tt/1LayXci

Man United to continue without De Gea - Van Gaal

LONDON (Reuters) - Goalkeeper David de Gea still "has the same problem" of not being in the right frame of mind and is out of the squad for Manchester United's second Premier League fixture of the season against Aston Villa, manager Louis van Gaal said on Thursday.

http://ift.tt/1JWJwB3

Leicester fine striker Vardy after racial slur

LONDON (Reuters) - Leicester City's Jamie Vardy has been fined and will take part in diversity awareness training following an internal investigation into claims the striker made a racial slur in a casino, the Premier League club said on Thursday.

http://ift.tt/1EqPvrp

FIFA say managers cannot dictate to doctors over injuries

LONDON (Reuters) - FIFA delivered what amounted to a rebuke to Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho on Thursday amid reports that he has banned the club's first team doctor Eva Carneiro following her treatment of an injured player in a Premier League match.

http://ift.tt/1JWJyZJ

Blatter urges Europe to revisit foreign player limits

ZURICH, Aug 13 (Reuters) - Outgoing FIFA president Sepp Blatter wants European football to look again at stricter limits on foreigners, saying each club should have six players in their starting lineups who are eligible for the national side. Although European Union law considers such limits as nationality discrimination, Blatter believes Russia's recent move to have five players eligible for their national team on the pitch in league games can be copied.

http://ift.tt/1EqPt2Y

Pedro transfer won't influence me, says Luis Enrique

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona coach Luis Enrique refused to disclose whether Pedro will start the Spanish Super Cup first-leg away to Athletic Bilbao on Friday and said that he would not be influenced by any transfer deal.

http://ift.tt/1JfQSAC

Peng Soon-Liu Ying crash out in world meet

JAKARTA: There is a huge gap in standard between Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying and the world’s top five mixed doubles pairs.

http://ift.tt/1JVKQ74

Sindhu shocks Li as Indian women advance in Jakarta

(Reuters) - India's P.V. Sindhu caused the first major upset at the badminton World Championships when the 20-year-old stunned Olympic champion Li Xuerui of China 21-17 14-21 21-17 in a pulsating women's singles third round encounter on Thursday.

http://ift.tt/1N5hPrx

Amelia-Fie Cho claim spot in Worlds quarter-finals

JAKARTA: Amelia Anscelly-Soong Fie Cho credited their coaches after scoring a stunning win to reach the women’s doubles quarter-finals at the World Championships.

http://ift.tt/1NsrK7D

City seek early psychological lift against Chelsea

LONDON (Reuters) - The destination of the Premier League trophy will not be decided when current champions Chelsea meet their immediate predecessors Manchester City on Sunday, but the winners will get a welcome psychological boost for the long campaign ahead.

http://ift.tt/1EoqTj9

Schweinsteiger expects to be fully fit by next week

(Reuters) - Manchester United midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger says he is on the verge of returning to full fitness after picking up a calf injury during the Premier League club's pre-season tour of the Unites States.

http://ift.tt/1EoqUnd

Mixed doubles pair look ahead after world meet exit

JAKARTA: For two years, the mixed doubles pair Wong Fai Yin-Chow Mei Kuan had been stagnant.

http://ift.tt/1gA4dXp

Courtois to miss Man City game after losing red card appeal

(Reuters) - Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss the champions' visit to Manchester City on Sunday after an appeal against a red card for the Belgian international was rejected by the Football Association.

http://ift.tt/1h2V0I6

Chelsea doctor set to lose place on bench after Mourinho criticism

(Reuters) - Chelsea's first-team doctor Eva Carneiro is set to lose her place on the bench for Sunday's trip to Manchester City following her criticism by manager Jose Mourinho, according to British media reports.

http://ift.tt/1gzTtIN

Korea's Chung to formally launch FIFA bid in Paris

SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's Chung Mong-joon will formally launch his bid to become president of world football's scandal-hit governing body FIFA on Aug. 17 in France, the home of rival Michel Platini.

http://ift.tt/1h2V0HZ

Liverpool's forgotten man Enrique vows to stay at the club

(Reuters) - Liverpool's forgotten left-back Jose Enrique has vowed to stay at the club and fight for a starting place despite being "alienated" by manager Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool Echo reported.

http://ift.tt/1gzTvAa

Yong-dae hell bent on becoming world champion

JAKARTA: Lee Yong-dae is fed-up of never being a world champion.

http://ift.tt/1P6AVej

Zulfadli terus cemerlang

Perseorangan profesional negara Zulfadli Zulkiffli teruskan momentum kemenangan kali ini mengatasi Scott Evans dari Ireland straight sets 21-16, 21-13.

More...

http://ift.tt/1MjCaYl

Perak ‘rest’ coach Karathu after poor run

PETALING JAYA: It’s now Datuk M. Karathu’s turn to take a rest.

http://ift.tt/1PjZHs7

Pedro strike hands Barca Super Cup in nine-goal thriller

(Reuters) - Barcelona substitute Pedro scored deep into extra time to secure the European Super Cup with a 5-4 win over Sevilla in a thriller on Tuesday after they surrendered a three-goal lead in Tbilisi.

http://ift.tt/1IJErrm

Stoke show financial muscle by signing Shaqiri

LONDON (Reuters) - Stoke City smashed their record fee to sign Swiss forward Xherdan Shaqiri on Tuesday as, for the second day running, the Premier League's middle-ranking clubs flaunted their ever-expanding spending power.

http://ift.tt/1N91qkZ

Kedah a step closer to Premier League title

PETALING JAYA: Kedah are inching closer to the Premier League title.

http://ift.tt/1DKButL

World Championships loser Koukal is a winner in life

JAKARTA: Czech Petr Koukal's challenge ended in the first round of the World Championships.

http://ift.tt/1DKyPA5

Pahang skipper hoping for the best after Singapore loss

PETALING JAYA: Pahang skipper Razman Roslan admitted that their chances of winning the Super League is no longer in their hands.

http://ift.tt/1N0XX93

Clock’s ticking for Lin Dan and Chong Wei

JAKARTA: There is not much time left for old-time badminton stars Lin Dan and Lee Chong Wei.

http://ift.tt/1NnDOXH

Axelsen’s in it for the Long haul

JAKARTA: Stay calm. That will be Denmark Viktor Axelsen’s approach at this year’s World Championships as he tries to live up to his Chinese name.

http://ift.tt/1TpBQIc

Peng Soon-Liu Ying advance in World Championships

JAKARTA: It was a day of joy and heartbreak for Malaysia in the mixed doubles at the World Championships.

http://ift.tt/1N6QQef

New signings settled quickly, United eying trophies - Carrick

(Reuters) - Midfielder Michael Carrick thinks Manchester United's all summer signings have quickly settled at Old Trafford and will do their bit in helping the club challenge for major honours this season.

http://ift.tt/1DFwmY3

Everton's Martinez criticises 'unfair' transfer window

(Reuters) - Everton manager Roberto Martinez believes the transfer window should close once the new season starts so that clubs can focus on the competition without worrying about interests in their players.

http://ift.tt/1ToNsLu

Baek-cheol marches on after returning from military training

JAKARTA: Doubles shuttler Shin Baek-cheol had to skip badminton for the most part of this year because of a mandatory Korean military training.

http://ift.tt/1N0crpz

Chelsea appeal against Courtois red card - reports

LONDON (Reuters) - Premier League champions Chelsea have decided to appeal against the red card shown to Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in the 2-2 draw against Swansea City, according to several media reports on Monday.

http://ift.tt/1IVIrEn

Barca eye six-trophy haul in calendar year, says Iniesta

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Winning the treble last season has spurred Barcelona to try and win all six trophies up for grabs this year and replicate the feat they achieved in 2009, midfielder Andres Iniesta said on Monday.

http://ift.tt/1L3wJ1b

Depay keen to prove worthy of United's No. 7 shirt

(Reuters) - New Manchester United signing Memphis Depay is confident he can handle the pressure of wearing the iconic number seven jersey after making an impressive competitive debut against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1Tf8e5k

Busic signing a blessing for T-Team

GEORGE TOWN: The signing of Croatian striker Tomislav Busic could not have come at a better time for Premier League outfit T-Team.

http://ift.tt/1IEsP8Z

Irfan hoping to guide Felda United to a top-three finish

PETALING JAYA: Felda United are out of the Super League title race but coach Irfan Bakti wants his side to end their debut in the top flight on a high.

http://ift.tt/1Tf891K

Tago injured, one less hurdle for Chong Wei to reach glory?

JAKARTA: Lee Chong Wei is likely to have one less opponent to worry about as he bids to win his first men’s singles title at the World Championships at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta. Japan’s Kenichi Tago, tipped for a quarter-final clash with Chong Wei, is set to pull out of the championships due to a nagging back problem. Japan chief coach Park Joo-bong said that Tago’s withdrawal was inevitable as he could not even train for the last two days. “He has been struggling with a back injury and we are not sure how bad it is this time. Even if we field him against Poland’s Michal Rogalski, I don’t think he will last long,” said Joo-bong. “Tago’s world ranking has dropped (to 39th in the world). We will review his place in the team after these championships. It has not been a great year for him.” In Tago’s absence, Joo-bong is banking on world No. 4 and reigning Indonesian Open champion Kento Momota to keep the flag flying for Japan in the men’s singles. “Momota’s condition is impressive coming into this world meet. We are hoping for something special from him here,” said the South Korean. In another development, Malaysia team manager Ng Chin Chai said Chong Wei would definitely play against Kestutis Navickas of Lithuania after taking care of his blister problem. “He has received treatment for the blister on his toe. He is quite nervous about it but we hope that all will go well for him in his first match tomorrow.”

http://ift.tt/1IEsQtB

Just a brief debut for Chee Tean at the World Championships

JAKARTA: Tan Chee Tean’s debut at the World Championships lasted only 39 minutes.

http://ift.tt/1IEsPWw

Peter-Gade putting whole lotta love into French Badminton

JAKARTA: Not many have graduated from a successful player to a great coach.

http://ift.tt/1IEsPFY

Arsenal optimism checked as West Ham claim shock win

LONDON (Reuters) - West Ham United capitalised on mistakes by new Arsenal new goalkeeper Petr Cech to secure a surprise 2-0 Premier League victory at the Emirates and leave the Gunners deflated on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1KdiDoc

Liverpool's Rodgers relieved to keep Coutinho on

LONDON (Reuters) - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was ready to substitute Philippe Coutinho just before the Brazilian's exquisite late strike sealed a 1-0 Premier League win at Stoke City on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1ht0POY

Wenger refuses to blame Cech for Arsenal's shock loss

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger refused to blame goalkeeper Petr Cech or any individual performances after his side sank to a disappointing 2-0 defeat by West Ham United in their opening Premier League match of the season on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1KdiDo2

Marin pulls through injury for another bite at the cherry

JAKARTA: Just a month ago, defending champion Carolina Marin was on the verge of pulling out from the World Championships due to a right foot injury.

http://ift.tt/1UxaPot

Fai Yin-Mei Kuan stroll into second round without even playing

JAKARTA: First time’s the charm for mixed doubles shuttlers Wong Fai Yin-Chow Mei Kuan.

http://ift.tt/1hrH61Y

Chen Long wary of 'curse' in Indonesia

JAKARTA: Defending champion Chen Long has one fear at the World Championships – the curse on Chinese stars in Indonesia.

http://ift.tt/1UxaQJc

Be careful with what you put in you body, says Hendra

JAKARTA: Watch what you eat and drink! Two-time world men’s doubles world champion Hendra Setiawan said a stern reminder had been issued to the Indonesian players ahead of the World Championships.

http://ift.tt/1hrH6Pz

Spurs take heart, not points, from Old Trafford performance

(Reuters) - Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League campaign got off on the wrong foot when Kyle Walker's own goal gave hosts Manchester United a 1-0 win on Saturday, but there was little in the way of doom and gloom after a spirited performance at Old Trafford.

http://ift.tt/1HzudYP

Safee happy to end goal drought and push JDT on top

PETALING JAYA: Striker Safee Sali ended his goal drought and it couldn’t have come at a better time for Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the Super League.

http://ift.tt/1IX8r6v

Mourinho more annoyed with Chelsea medics than players

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea's Jose Mourinho, who hoped to celebrate his new contract with victory at an expectant Stamford Bridge, ended up grateful his team did not become the first Premier League champions to start their title defence with a defeat.

http://ift.tt/1HzubA7

Man Utd suffer Jones injury setback

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester United defender Phil Jones will miss his side's Champions League playoff against Club Bruges because of "mild thrombosis", the club said on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1IX8q2v

Malaysian shuttlers in high spirits in Jakarta ahead of World Championships

KUALA LUMPUR: All is well with the Malaysian badminton team in Jakarta.

http://ift.tt/1Ka8kRz

Seng Zoe boosted World Junior meet chance with win in Alor Setar

PETALING JAYA: Penang’s Yeoh Seng Zoe collected his second Bukit Jalil Sports School’s (BJSS) scalp in as many days to claim the boy’s Under-18 badminton singles title in the National Junior Circuit GP Finals in Alor Setar.

http://ift.tt/1Ka8hp5

Frenz United B starts Asian Champions Trophy with a stalemate

PETALING JAYA: Frenz United B squandered a golden chance to open their Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) with a win over PVF FA Vietnam in a Group B match at the Hang Tuah Stadium in Malacca.

http://ift.tt/1MYs5Rg

League leaders Pahang suffers defeat to Lions XII

PETALING JAYA: Pahang’s Super League title hopes took a jolt at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

http://ift.tt/1J2Fwju

MISC-MIFA beat Sabah to lift Tun Sharifah Rodziah Cup

PETALING JAYA: Debutants Malaysian Indian Sports Council-Malaysian Indian Football Association (MISC-MIFA) defied the form books to beat fancied Sabah and lift the Tun Sharifah Rodziah Cup.

http://ift.tt/1HxlztO

Costa fitness still Chelsea mystery before season opener

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho is not sure if Diego Costa will be fit for the champions' Premier League opener against Swansea City on Saturday as their leading striker continues to be plagued by a hamstring injury.

http://ift.tt/1KWTtja

Lions XII to spoil the party for Pahang and JDT? They might.

PETALING JAYA: Lions XII could very well play the role of spoilers in the Super League title race.

http://ift.tt/1PbXHSQ

Frenz United hoping for home support in Champions Trophy

PETALING JAYA: Frenz United B are banking on home support to kick off their Asian Champions Trophy (ACT) campaign on a winning note.

http://ift.tt/1Mg5oJq

I'm no one-trick pony, says Liverpool's Benteke

(Reuters) - Liverpool striker Christian Benteke has rejected former boss Tim Sherwood's claim that he can only score goals if he plays for a team that gets crosses into the box.

http://ift.tt/1PbXKy6

De Gea to miss United's Premier League opener - Van Gaal

LONDON (Reuters) - David De Gea will not play in Manchester United's opening Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur, manager Louis van Gaal said on Friday, amid reports linking the goalkeeper with a move to Real Madrid.

http://ift.tt/1Mg5qRz

Jing Yi readies to go the distance against world No. 1 Marin

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian singles shuttler Tee Jing Yi knows that she’s miles behind Spain’s Carolina Marin.

http://ift.tt/1DB81lT

Di Maria says sorry to United fans in open letter

(Reuters) - Angel Di Maria apologised to Manchester United fans for his underwhelming stint at Old Trafford but insisted it was not due to a lack of effort.

http://ift.tt/1KUOQGt

West Ham knocked out of Europa League in defeat to Astra

LONDON (Reuters) - West Ham United were knocked out of the Europa League in the third qualifying round on Thursday after a 2-1 defeat at Romanian side Astra Giurgiu.

http://ift.tt/1Usea8m

Barca expect Pedro to stay, says technical secretary

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona expect striker Pedro to stay at the club, technical secretary Robert Fernandez said on Thursday.

http://ift.tt/1Use9RO

Palestinian territories come together in rare football match

GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinians long riven by geography and factional feuding enjoyed a rare show of unity on Thursday in a football match that brought together teams from their two territories.

http://ift.tt/1Use7cH

Wilshere's latest injury tempers Arsenal optimism

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal supporters received the bad news they had been fearing with the club confirming on Thursday that England midfielder Jack Wilshere's latest injury is a hairline fracture.

http://ift.tt/1MPzqDN

Pahang treading carefully as league leaders hope for consistency in Super League

PETALING JAYA: Super League leaders Pahang are hoping to stay consistent in their last five fixtures.

http://ift.tt/1OThbuy

Kedah banking on young Syafiq for goals to earn silverware

GEORGE TOWN: Premier League leaders Kedah’s title and promotion hopes are resting on the shoulders of young striker Muhd Syafiq Ahmad.

http://ift.tt/1OTh9Tr

Quique Flores confident ahead of his Premier League debut

LONDON (Reuters) - Watford may have been widely tipped as favourites to go straight back down to the Championship, but new head coach Quique Flores is confident about the prospects of their revamped squad ahead of his first Premier League match on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1OTh9Db

Bangsar Hawks pull out from Purple League

PETALING JAYA: Only 11 teams will battle it out when the inaugural Junior Purple League begins on Aug 15.

http://ift.tt/1gMIpJ5

Neymar and Messi score in Roma friendly win

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Neymar and Lionel Messi grabbed a goal each in the first half as Barcelona rolled over Roma 3-0 in the traditional Gamper Trophy pre-season match on Wednesday.

http://ift.tt/1KSmDx2

Zulfadli: Pressure's off, let me do my best in world meet

KUALA LUMPUR: Independent shuttler Zulfadli Zulkiffli plans to enjoy himself in his first World Championships in Jakarta from Aug 10-16.

http://ift.tt/1Uo3DLe

Retaining title will be tougher for Chelsea, feels Mourinho

(Reuters) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho feels it will be more difficult for his side to retain the Premier League title with the other contenders having made strong additions to their squads.

http://ift.tt/1IX3cpx

Chelsea's Terry wants a long career like Giggs

(Reuters) - Chelsea defender John Terry has worked hard on his fitness in the last few years and wants to have a long playing career like former Manchester United midfielder Ryan Giggs, the former England captain said.

http://ift.tt/1IX3cpi

Japan’s Kashima open Asian Champions Trophy with big win

PETALING JAYA: Debutants Kashima Antlers made short work of Phnom Penh Crown FC of Cambodia with an easy 5-0 win in the opening game of the 2015 Asian Champions Trophy (ACT).

http://ift.tt/1IX3bSs

Rapid Vienna knock out Ajax with dramatic win

ZURICH (Reuters) - Four-times European champions Ajax Amsterdam were knocked out of the Champions League in the third qualifying round on Tuesday after a dramatic 3-2 defeat at home to unsung Rapid Vienna.

http://ift.tt/1IWIdmL

Argentina's Di Maria has medical ahead of PSG move

(Reuters) - Angel Di Maria has undergone a medical ahead of his move from Manchester United to Paris St Germain, according to the hospital where he is having the tests.

http://ift.tt/1K3hWh4

Doubles pair Hee Chun-Kok Siang come clean, quits BAM

KUALA LUMPUR: Being truthful is a noble thing.

http://ift.tt/1eRMQAp

Mourinho says disagreements with owner Abramovich are over

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho's previous disagreements with owner Roman Abramovich are over and he is ready to fight for his fourth Premier League title starting this weekend, the Portuguese said on Tuesday.

http://ift.tt/1SZCewK

Champions Malaysia knocked out of Asean U-16 football meet

PETALING JAYA: Defending champions Malaysia were embarrassingly shown the exit in the group stage at the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-16 Championship.

http://ift.tt/1SZCaNE

Van Gaal faces many questions as season looms

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester United's fourth place in last season's Premier League was regarded as a qualified success but more importantly the launch pad to return the club to former glory.

http://ift.tt/1KNWQJe

Ferdinand advises Stones to choose United over Chelsea

(Reuters) - Former England international Rio Ferdinand feels Everton's John Stones should pick Manchester United over Chelsea if the defender prefers more playing time.

http://ift.tt/1SZC9cg

You're not good enough, Frost tells Zulfadli ahead of world meet

KUALA LUMPUR: Morten Frost has made a frosty remark on Zulfadli Zulkiffli’s ability to make a mark at the World Championships in Jakarta from Aug 10-16.

http://ift.tt/1gHbq8L

Blatter gives up IOC membership as FIFA exit nears

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - FIFA President Sepp Blatter was relieved of his International Olympic Committee ex officio membership on Monday, seven months before he will be replaced as the head of football's governing body, IOC President Thomas Bach said on Monday.

http://ift.tt/1M6D5No

Arsenal can challenge for League title, feels Chelsea's Cahill

(Reuters) - Chelsea defender Gary Cahill feels Arsenal could mount a strong challenge for the Premier League title, following the champions' 1-0 defeat to their bitter rivals in the Community Shield at Wembley on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1g0JWKt

Rodgers delights at promising start for new strikeforce

LONDON (Reuters) - Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed his delight with Christian Benteke and Roberto Firmino after the forwards made their first-team debuts in the club's final warm-up match before the new Premier League season.

http://ift.tt/1g0JV9j

Wenger hails rugged Arsenal, Mourinho impressed

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger praised his team’s uncharacteristically rugged display after they beat champions Chelsea 1-0 in the Community Shield on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1MH2NYO

Italy's Berlusconi agrees AC Milan stake sale by end Sept

MILAN (Reuters) - Italy's former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi has signed a pre-sale agreement to sell 48 percent of his AC Milan football club to a group led by Thai businessman Bee Taechaubol by the end of September, a spokesman for holding company Fininvest said on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1ME7aCZ

Selfies and six packs to derail Arsenal's title hopes: Keane

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal are not capable of winning the Premier League title this season because they have too many players interested in selfies and six packs rather than winning football matches, according to former Manchester United captain Roy Keane.

http://ift.tt/1DkGEMQ

Malaysia can kiss their U-16 title goodbye after Timor Leste loss

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia can forget about retaining the Asean Football Federation (AFF) Under-16 Championship title after suffering a 3-1 loss to minnows Timor Leste.

http://ift.tt/1HhX57C

Doubles ace V Shem wants to leave mark at world meet

KUALA LUMPUR: Doubles shuttler Goh V Shem vows to deliver at the World Championships in Jakarta after going through a year of ups and downs with partner Tan Wee Kiong.

http://ift.tt/1KJK5wA

Lampard makes losing MLS debut for New York City FC

(Reuters) - Former Chelsea and England midfielder Frank Lampard had an unhappy Major League Soccer debut on Saturday when his new club New York City FC were beaten 3-2 by the Montreal Impact.

http://ift.tt/1N1yNE2

Victory for JDT keep Pahang close in Super League

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are hot on the heels of Super League leaders Pahang.

http://ift.tt/1KI6zOg

Kelantan FA mired in more trouble

PETALING JAYA: Kelantan are courting trouble again! This time for the unpaid salaries of two of their former coaches.

http://ift.tt/1MBTDfc

Malaysian badminton great Razif likes what he sees so far

KUALA LUMPUR: Former Olympian Razif Sidek is one of the strongest critics of Malaysian badminton. But he also gives credit where it’s due.

http://ift.tt/1IbmLa4

Mourinho eyes early chance to strike blow on Wenger

LONDON (Reuters) - Jose Mourinho has played down the significance of Sunday's clash with Arsenal in the Community Shield showpiece at Wembley but a chance to strike an early blow against old adversary Arsene Wenger will prove irresistible.

http://ift.tt/1eKm6Sc

Walcott and Cazorla sign new Arsenal contracts

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal forward Theo Walcott and Spanish midfielder Santi Cazorla have signed new contracts with the Gunners, the Premier League club said on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1eKm5h2

Falcao can play as dual striker, says Mourinho

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said he could adopt a two-pronged attack with Colombian Radamel Falcao offering more options for the coming season after joining on loan from Monaco.

http://ift.tt/1eKm6l4