Newcastle boost survival hopes, Sunderland snatch draw

LONDON (Reuters) - Two crucial penalties, one saved and one converted, added a fresh twist to a desperate relegation dogfight between bitter north-east rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1pT9f5J

Respite for Martinez as Everton beat Bournemouth

LONDON (Reuters) - - Everton manager Roberto Martinez enjoyed some respite as his struggling side beat Bournemouth 2-1 for a first Premier League win in eight matches on Saturday but it did little to placate the disgruntled fans.

http://ift.tt/26F1IZP

Bale header keeps Real's title hopes burning

MADRID (Reuters) - Gareth Bale again came to Real Madrid's rescue by heading home the winner in a 1-0 win at Real Sociedad on Saturday that keeps their title hopes alive.

http://ift.tt/26EBUNF

Townsend cracker lifts Newcastle out of relegation zone

REUTERS - Newcastle United moved out of the relegation zone after a superb Andros Townsend free kick and a penalty save by Karl Darlow gave them a vital 1-0 home win over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1YYdSra

West Ham still pressing for Europe after win at West Brom

LONDON, (Reuters) - West Ham set a new club points record in the Premier League with Mark Noble scoring twice in an easy victory at West Bromwich Albion that boosts their hopes of European football next season.

http://ift.tt/26EBSW0

Suspensions woe for Selangor ahead of crucial AFC Cup tie

PETALING JAYA: Selangor’s AFC Cup campaign has been dealt with a cruel blow following the suspensions of key midfielders Hafiz Kamal and Saiful Riduwan Selamat.

http://ift.tt/1SECvW7

Chong Wei beat Lin Dan in Wuhan

XXxXXXXXXXXxxxxxigq

http://ift.tt/23gjX3u

Ibrahimovic leads PSG to 4-0 rout of Rennes with double

(Reuters) - Paris St Germain's Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored two goals and set up another as the runaway Ligue 1 champions thrashed Stade Rennes 4-0 on a wet evening in Paris on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1TkN9Ro

Glorious summer in sight for Leicester City after many winters of discontent

LEICESTER, England (Reuters) - When King Richard III was reinterred in Leicester in March last year 500 years after his death, fans of the English city's unheralded football club might have thought it too was dead and buried.

http://ift.tt/26D8gIF

Middlesbrough promotion hopes dented by Birmingham draw

(Reuters) - Middlesbrough's hopes of automatic promotion to the Premier League suffered a setback when they were held to a 2-2 draw at Birmingham City in a thrilling Championship clash on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1TkN7cs

Man City's Silva to miss Champions League semi against Real

(Reuters) - Manchester City will be without play maker David Silva for two to three weeks, ensuring he will definitely miss Wednesday's Champions League semi-final second leg tie at Real Madrid, manager Manuel Pellegrini said on Friday.

http://ift.tt/23dd56T

Mouth-watering clash between Chong Wei and Lin Dan is on at ABC semis.

PETALING JAYA: The first titanic showdown of the year between Lee Chong Wei and Lin Dan is on after both reached the semi-finals of the Asian Badminton Championships (ABC) in Wuhan.

http://ift.tt/1SymF2G

Liverpool must pay Burnley up to 8 million pounds for Ings - tribunal

(Reuters) - Liverpool have been told by a tribunal to pay Championship (second-tier) leaders Burnley up to eight million pounds for striker Danny Ings.

http://ift.tt/24ou2h3

Fancied JDT have it all to beat Kedah, says Kunalan

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) possess all the ingredients needed to overturn the 2-1 deficit against Kedah in the return leg of the FA Cup semi-finals.

http://ift.tt/1SSXLgj

Vivian-Khe Wei virtually seal Olympic ticket despite ABC exit

PETALING JAYA: National women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei are virtually assured of their Olympic debut in August.

http://ift.tt/24mqMmi

Liverpool's Sakho provisionally suspended for anti-doping violation - UEFA

LONDON (Reuters) - Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has been provisionally suspended for 30 days after failing an anti-doping test, European football's governing body UEFA said on Thursday.

http://ift.tt/1T7035e

Leicester's Schmeichel aims to triumph on father's stage

LONDON (Reuters) - If Leicester City win the Premier League by beating Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday, goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel will have stepped out from his father's huge shadow on a richly symbolic stage.

http://ift.tt/237W0va

Five talking points from Selangor vs Ceres AFC Cup match

SELANGOR kept alive their hopes of qualifying for the knockout stage of the AFC Cup after holding Ceres to a goalless draw in their penultimate Group E match at the Selayang Municipal Council Stadium on Tuesday.

http://ift.tt/1SAVzVa

Women's pair a step closer to Rio after first round walkover in Wuhan

PETALING JAYA: National women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei can thank their lucky stars.

http://ift.tt/1NzVc0e

Under par Wei Feng vows to do good in Thomas Cup

PETALING JAYA: Chong Wei Feng is honest enough to admit that “I have not been playing well of late”.

http://ift.tt/1pEGY2O

Kane refusing to give up as Foxes close on title

(Reuters) - Striker Harry Kane says Tottenham Hotspur's chances of winning the Premier League are out of their hands but the team will not give up on efforts to overhaul leaders Leicester City in the final three games of the season.

http://ift.tt/1YTjuTC

Ibrahimovic could thrive in Premier League, says Sweden coach

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - Sweden striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic could still thrive in the Premier League despite being nearly 35 years old, his national team manager Erik Hamren said on Tuesday.

http://ift.tt/1NRKblA

Let's get ready to rumble at Bernabeu, says City's Hart

MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Manchester City are set up to land Real Madrid a knockout blow at the Bernabeu next week and earn a place in the Champions League final, Joe Hart said after his saves helped earn a 0-0 draw in Tuesday's first leg.

http://ift.tt/1MY3mzw

Zulfadli snubbed in favour of experienced Wei Feng for Thomas Cup

KUALA LUMPUR: The Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) sprang a surprise when they omitted the country’s third-ranked singles shuttler Zulfadli Zulkiffli for next month’s Thomas Cup Finals.

http://ift.tt/24hwbv9

Yen Mei relishing first round clash with world No. 1 Ratchanok

PETALING JAYA: Ratchanok Intanon will make her debut as the world No. 1 at the Asian Badminton Championships (ABC).

http://ift.tt/1VPZBzm

Vivian-Khe Wei have their work cut out to get Olympic ticket at ABC

PETALING JAYA: An Olympic ticket is at stake for top women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei when they compete in the Asian Badminton Championships (ABC) in China. But they won't have it easy.

http://ift.tt/1Qykczq

Atletico get chance for revenge against Bayern 42 years on

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Bayern Munich destroyed Atletico Madrid’s dreams of winning the European Cup in 1974 and are out to wreck their hopes of reaching a second Champions League final in three years when they visit the Spanish capital for the semi-final first leg.

http://ift.tt/1MUQnOY

Leicester's Vardy gets additional one-game ban

LONDON (Reuters) - Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy will miss the Premier League leaders' visit to Manchester United on Sunday after being banned for an additional game for improper conduct, the BBC reported.

http://ift.tt/1XTL16Z

Juventus win fifth successive Serie A title after Napoli lose

ROME (Reuters) - Juventus won Serie A for the fifth season in a row without kicking a ball on Monday after Napoli, the only team that could have caught them, were sunk 1-0 by a late Radja Nainggolan goal at AS Roma.

http://ift.tt/1MUQqub

Jin Wei takes the gauntlet to play against the best in Asian meet

PETALING JAYA: Pint-sized Goh Jin Wei is thrilled as she faces her biggest test yet at the Asian Badminton Championships (ABC) in China.

http://ift.tt/23V8o7g

Rooney hopes to emulate Scholes in United midfield role

(Reuters) - Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney hopes to emulate the successful transition of former club team mate Paul Scholes from an attack-oriented player to a creative midfielder.

http://ift.tt/23UycjZ

Barca stay ahead, Leicester closer

LONDON (Reuters) - Barcelona, Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid all won to leave the race for the La Liga title on a knife edge with three matches left in the season.

http://ift.tt/23Uc8WE

Terengganu FC II continue charge in Super League as leaders Felda stumble

GEORGE TOWN: Terengganu FC II continued their fine form by edging Penang 3-2 at the City Stadium to register their fourth successive Super League victory.

http://ift.tt/1SFwLAO

Sunderland escape bottom three after draw with Arsenal

SUNDERLAND, England (Reuters) - Sunderland crawled out of the Premier League relegation zone and Arsenal dropped points in their quest for a top-four finish in a lively 0-0 draw at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1SrZ1S2

Four-goal Suarez salutes Barca team mates

BARCELONA, April 24 (Reuters) - By Richard Martin

http://ift.tt/1pv8iAi

Gerrard misses early penalty, scores late as Galaxy beat RSL

(Reuters) - Steven Gerrard missed an early penalty but capped Los Angeles Galaxy's 5-2 win over Real Salt Lake with a stoppage-time goal in Major League Soccer on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1MQJA91

Lin Dan downs Chen Long to win China Masters

PETALING JAYA: China’s Lin Dan defeated world No. 1 and compatriot Chen Long in straight sets to lift his sixth China Masters crown.

http://ift.tt/1VRyVxA

Man City go third, Newcastle rally boosts survival hopes

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester City moved up to third in the Premier League on Saturday while Newcastle United boosted their hopes of survival by coming back from two goals down at Liverpool to draw 2-2 and secure a precious point.

http://ift.tt/1YNcRly

Bale inspires Real Madrid comeback victory at Rayo Vallecano

MADRID (Reuters) - Gareth Bale made up for the absence of Cristiano Ronaldo by scoring twice to inspire Real Madrid to come from two goals down and win 3-2 at Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1r7PVmu

Bayern put champagne on ice despite win at Hertha

BERLIN (Reuters) - Bayern Munich beat Hertha Berlin 2-0 on Saturday but had to put the champagne on ice for a looming record fourth straight Bundesliga title after Borussia Dortmund beat VfB Stuttgart 3-0 to stay seven points behind with three games left.

http://ift.tt/1rrjOyD

Iheanacho at the double as City go third

REUTERS - Manchester City thrashed Stoke City 4-0 at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday to leapfrog Arsenal into third place in the Premier League.

http://ift.tt/1SjAyBF

No final for Peng Soon-Liu Ying in China Masters

KUALA LUMPUR: Mixed pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying’s hope of making a third straight final went up in smoke after they crashed out in the semi-finals of the China Masters.

http://ift.tt/1VOVHWL

Win Olympic Games tickets to watch Chong Wei in Rio

KUALA LUMPUR: Who wants to support Lee Chong Wei at the Rio Olympic Games in Brazil – all paid for and with a ticket to boot? Just take part in the 100Plus Badminton Team Championships over the weekends from May 7-2

http://ift.tt/24avSlA

Named after former footballer but Kevin shows badminton is his game

GUATEMALA CITY: In a football-mad nation of Spanish-speakers like Guatemala, it is hard for people to even pronounce badminton, much less take an interest in a sport more associated with Asia than the Americas. But Kevin Cordon has broken the barriers.

http://ift.tt/1XO2cHb

Fit-again Hazard ready for Chelsea return

LONDON (Reuters) - Belgium forward Eden Hazard is fit and available for Chelsea's trip to Bournemouth on Saturday after more than a month out with a hip injury, manager Guus Hiddink said.

http://ift.tt/1VsjR9N

Vardy absence a blow for Leicester says Pochettino

LONDON (Reuters) - Jamie Vardy's absence for Premier League leaders Leicester City could have a big impact, says Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, although he prefers to focus on his side's Monday night clash with West Bromwich Albion.

http://ift.tt/1QsApq2

Sturridge targets 100 Reds goals after reaching milestone

(Reuters) - Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge has set his sights on scoring 100 goals for the club after he reached the half century mark in the 4-0 Premier League thrashing of city rivals Everton on Wednesday.

http://ift.tt/1VLJF0l

Peng Soon-Liu Ying storm into China Masters semis face Ma Jin-Xu Chen

PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon and Goh Liu Ying pull off a sensational 21-17, 21-17 victory over homesters He Jiting-Du Yue in just 38 minutes to reach the semi-finals of the China Masters in Jiangsu on Friday.

http://ift.tt/213qZsF

Everton must avoid pressure remain focussed in FA Cup - Stones

(Reuters) - Everton need to avoid putting too much pressure on themselves in Saturday's FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Wembley and remain focussed, defender John Stones has said amid calls for manager Roberto Martinez to step down.

http://ift.tt/26iMaLm

Peng Soon-Liu Ying stay alive but Iskandar others muff up in China

PETALING JAYA: Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin had the chance to prove his credentials as a formidable second singles for Malaysia in next month’s Thomas Cup but he muffs up at China Masters.

http://ift.tt/1QpHB69

World No. 1 Ratchanok gets her wish from PM

BANGKOK: Thai badminton sensation Ratchanok Intanon has visited Prime Minister Prayut Chanocha at the Government House and asked for help in getting her Chinese coach Xie Zhuhua Thai citizenship.

http://ift.tt/210l73o

Klopp formula starting to work magic for Liverpool - Milner

(Reuters) - Manager Juergen Klopp's preferred style of play has become second nature to Liverpool's players who took time to get used to the German's tactics, midfielder James Milner has said.

http://ift.tt/1SdeUyU

Ronaldo needs more rest after injury scare - Zidane

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo needed to take time off and even miss games if he is to see out an arduous season after he limped off before the end of Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Villarreal on Wednesday, according to manager Zinedine Zidane.

http://ift.tt/1ScIILW

Wenger warns against 'negative environment' at Emirates

LONDON (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger says The Emirates stadium is in danger of becoming a "negative environment" with swathes of season ticket holders expected to miss Thursday's Premier League clash with West Bromwich Albion.

http://ift.tt/1VjRL0f

Kian Meng-Pei Jing clear China Masters opener despite early hiccups

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s mixed doubles pair Tan Kian Meng-Lai Pei Jing stopped bad vibes from spoiling their outing at the China Masters badminton tournament.

http://ift.tt/20XtcWG

Bayern keeper Neuer signs contract extension to 2021

BERLIN (Reuters) - Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him at the German champions until 2021, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

http://ift.tt/1Stcnj4

Terengganu win a big relief for Perak players coach

IPOH: Perak are back in the game after they edged Terengganu 3-2 at the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Gong Badak on Tuesday.

http://ift.tt/1WFd0sN

Ibrahimovic sends PSG into French Cup final

PARIS (Reuters) - Zlatan Ibrahimovic's second-half strike earned Paris St Germain a spot in the French Cup final as the holders beat Lorient 1-0 away on Tuesday.

http://ift.tt/1ri5Sa3

Mueller goals send Bayern into German Cup final

BERLIN (Reuters) - Bayern Munich's Thomas Mueller scored in each half as the Bundesliga leaders beat Werder Bremen 2-0 on Tuesday to reach the German Cup final and stay firmly on course for a treble of titles this season.

http://ift.tt/1QlQIEX

Selangor must stop slide for a chance to win league - Zainal

PETALING JAYA: Selangor are desperate to halt their spiralling form in the Super League.

http://ift.tt/1S866ug

Selection headache for Irfan ahead of Felda's match against Police

PETALING JAYA: Felda United coach Irfan Bakti has a pleasant dilemma.

http://ift.tt/1SXaMj1

Statistics add up for title-chasing Tottenham

LONDON (Reuters) - If Premier League titles were decided by statistics alone then Tottenham Hotspur would already have one hand on the trophy rather than playing catch-up to Leicester City.

http://ift.tt/1S866u3

We'll still win the title says Barca coach

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona coach Luis Enrique remains convinced his faltering team will end their winless run and retain the La Liga title after seeing their treble dreams dashed.

http://ift.tt/1SXaM2l

Fast-rising Iskandar looking to continue fine form in China

KUALA LUMPUR: National shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin is hoping to build on his recent good form in China.

http://ift.tt/1S7Vv2l

Kane's killer instinct keeps Tottenham on title prowl

LONDON (Reuters) - Harry Kane backed up his cheeky pre-match warning to Premier League leaders Leicester City with two goals in Tottenham Hotspur's 4-0 thrashing of Stoke City on Monday.

http://ift.tt/1VzcbCh

Newcastle hoping Man City will be thinking of Europe

(Reuters) - Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez is hoping Manchester City's players will be distracted by next week's Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid when they face his relegation-threatened team on Tuesday.

http://ift.tt/1SW5rID

Leicester's Vardy charged with improper conduct

(Reuters) - Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy has been charged with improper conduct following his sending off against West Ham United in their 2-2 draw at the weekend, the Football Association said on Monday.

http://ift.tt/1VzcbC6

Leicester title a divine right after good karma, says Thai monk

BANGKOK (Reuters) - Claudio Ranieri's tactics, Riyad Mahrez's creativity and Jamie Vardy's goals have all played a part in Leicester City's remarkable run but good karma is what will land them their first English Premier League title, according to a Thai monk.

http://ift.tt/1qT4QAU

Vivian-Khe Wei are in high spirits despite flight fiasco in China

PETALING JAYA: Shuttlers Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei are staying positive in their run-up to the China Masters despite being stranded at the Guangzhou airport on Sunday after their flight to Jiangsu, the venue of the championships, was cancelled.

http://ift.tt/1SmKSHZ

West Ham striker Carroll lashes out at referee

(Reuters) - Striker Andy Carroll has accused referee Jonathan Moss of trying to even things up with some "bad decisions" in Sunday's Premier League draw with 10-men Leicester City that harmed their Champions League qualifying hopes.

http://ift.tt/1TeiSq6

Late goals earn Leicester draw, cost Arsenal victory

LONDON (Reuters) - Premier League leaders Leicester City salvaged a point from Leonardo Ulloa's penalty with the last kick of the game to draw 2-2 in a thriller with West Ham United and open an eight-point gap over chasing Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1VvHRZi

Torres scores again as Atletico move level with Barca

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona's stuttering title bid suffered another setback when they lost 2-1 at home to Valencia on Sunday, while Atletico Madrid moved level on points with the La Liga leaders after a comfortable win over Granda.

http://ift.tt/20OZ9Ak

Klopp makes 10 changes as Liverpool beat Bournemouth

(Reuters) - Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp made 10 changes from the team that beat Borussia Dortmund in the Europa League and watched his experimental side overcome Bournemouth 2-1 in a low-key game in the south coast sunshine on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1NvP0RF

Kedah still have a mountain to climb in Larkin

PETALING JAYA: Nothing is guaranteed as far as Kedah coach Tan Cheng Hoe is concerned.

http://ift.tt/1STedXN

Ibrahimovic double helps PSG rebound with Caen thrashing

PARIS (Reuters) - Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored twice as Paris St Germain rebounded from their Champions League exit to Manchester City with a 6-0 thrashing of Caen in Ligue 1 on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/268HMyu

Madrid ease to victory at Getafe to put pressure on Barca

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Real Madrid moved to within a point of La Liga leaders Barcelona after five of their leading attacking lights got on the scoresheet in a 5-1 thrashing at struggling Getafe on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1STebiE

Inter victory leaves Napoli title hopes in tatters

MILAN (Reuters) - Inter Milan left Napoli's Serie A title hopes hanging by a thread on Saturday after recording a 2-0 home victory with a controversial opener from Mauro Icardi and Marcelo Brozovic's excellent chipped effort.

http://ift.tt/268HKX7

Ratchanok imminent rise to No. 1 after Singapore Open win

PETALING JAYA: Ratchanok Intanon will become the first Thai shuttler – male or female – to earn the world No. 1 ranking after completing a hat-trick of women’s singles titles at the Singapore Open.

http://ift.tt/1XCKDty

Kedah narrowly edge JDT in FA Cup semi-final

GEORGE TOWN: Kedah will take a slim one-goal advantage to the Larkin Stadium for the return leg after clinching a hard-earned 2-1 victory over Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in their FA Cup semi-final first leg encounter.

http://ift.tt/1MzFCl7

Sunderland keep survival hopes alive by beating Norwich

(Reuters) - Sunderland improved their chances of avoiding the drop while leaving Norwich City nervously looking over their shoulders by securing a 3-0 win from their only three shots on target at Carrow Road on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1p6XVCx

Sony pulls a surprise win over Lin Dan in Singapore Open

PETALING JAYA: Indonesian shuttler Sony Dwi Kuncoro rolled back the years to storm into the Singapore Open final.

http://ift.tt/1V8CPSD

PKNS confident of knocking out Perak in FA Cup

PETALING JAYA: Giant-killers PKNS FC’s FA Cup dream is far from over.

http://ift.tt/1Vrwtxw

Kedah looking for early advantage against JDT in FA Cup semi

GEORGE TOWN: Kedah will be in unfamiliar territory when they take on Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the FA Cup semi-final first leg at the Darulaman Stadium on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1r1WDuE

Perak get important away goals in FA Cup semi

PETALING JAYA: Advantage, Perak. Skipper Thiago Junior’s last-gasp equaliser handed the Silver State a 2-2 draw against Premier League side PKNS in the first leg of the semi-final at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca.

http://ift.tt/1TVYjku

Pellegrini without key players against 'empty' Chelsea

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester City will be without David Silva, Raheem Sterling and captain Vincent Kompany for this weekend's visit to Chelsea, manager Manuel Pellegrini told reporters on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1SPXiFw

My belief in youth paying off - Van Gaal

LONDON (Reuters) - Louis van Gaal believes his faith in young players is serving him well as manager of Manchester United, he said on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1TVYjkn

Ranieri wants to stay at Leicester

LONDON (Reuters) - Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri wants to stay for the long-term whether or not he leads the club to a first English league title in their 132-year history.

http://ift.tt/1SPXipd

Chen Long shown the exit at Singapore Open

PETALING JAYA: The Singapore Open continues to be a jinx for world No. 1 Chen Long.

http://ift.tt/1qLAmRl

Brave Liverpool create 'special moment' at Anfield

LONDON (Reuters) - Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp had spoken about bravery in the run-up to their Europa League clash with Borussia Dortmund, but even the ever-enthusiastic German must have doubted if his side had the stomach to produce their stunning fightback on Thursday.

http://ift.tt/1WuJ4zx

Wei Feng ready for Thomas Cup call-up if needed

PETALING JAYA: Chong Wei Feng has declared himself ready for next month’s Thomas Cup – if he is selected.

http://ift.tt/1RYjcKt

Villa skipper Agbonlahor dropped and asked to get fit

(Reuters) - Aston Villa's club captain Gabriel Agbonlahor will miss the next two weeks of the season while he works on his fitness levels, caretaker manager Eric Black has said.

http://ift.tt/1T8S7De

Clubs need former players at the helm, says Bergkamp

LONDON (Reuters) - More clubs should follow the Ajax Amsterdam model of promoting former players to executive roles, according to the Dutch side's assistant manager Dennis Bergkamp.

http://ift.tt/1NcvEWO

Sagna urges City team mates to win Champions League for Pellegrini

(Reuters) - Manchester City right back Bacary Sagna has urged his team mates to try and win the Champions League trophy as a perfect farewell gift to their outgoing manager Manuel Pellegrini.

http://ift.tt/263bapI

Korean stars send toothless V Shem-Wee Kiong packing in Lion City

PETALING JAYA: Men’s doubles pair Goh V Shem and Tan Wee Kiong had better stop blowing hot and cold or they can forget about contending for a medal at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.

http://ift.tt/2634mZ6

Chong Wei wants Wei Feng as third singles for Thomas Cup Finals

PETALING JAYA: If Lee Chong Wei has his way, then “team king” Chong Wei Feng is a certainty for the Thomas Cup badminton competition.

http://ift.tt/1qJsEqK

Rashford rewards Van Gaal for faith in youth

LONDON (Reuters) - Whatever criticism is hurled Louis van Gaal's way even his harshest detractors cannot accuse the Dutchman of failing to give Manchester United's youngsters a chance.

http://ift.tt/1SC2MDv

City bracing themselves to face the best in semis - Aguero

(Reuters) - Manchester City are ready to face the best players in Europe, striker Sergio Aguero said after a 3-2 aggregate Champions League quarter-final victory over Paris St Germain booked their place in the next round.

http://ift.tt/1TRgs2T

V Shem-Wee Kiong eye revenge over No. 1 Koreans in Singapore Open clash

PETALING JAYA: National men’s doubles pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong have got revenge on their minds after ousting Peter Gabriel Magnaye-Alvin Morada of the Philippines 23-21, 21-5 in the opening round of the Singapore Open.

http://ift.tt/1V15qJl

Superb De Bruyne shows anything still possible for City

MANCHESTER (Reuters) - Manchester City's season began to unravel when Kevin de Bruyne missed 10 matches with a knee injury but as he showed when he scored against Paris St Germain on Tuesday, anything is possible with him back in the team.

http://ift.tt/1WrkRu2

Dwight Gayle agrees new contract with Crystal Palace

(Reuters) - Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle has agreed a new contract that will keep him at the club until 2019, manager Alan Pardew has said.

http://ift.tt/1RTpATe

No shooting drill for Vardy is how Ranieri keeps striker fresh

(Reuters) - Leicester City's Jamie Vardy is banned from taking part in shooting drills at the training ground, the prolific striker revealed, because manager Claudio Ranieri wants him to rest his legs for Premier League matches.

http://ift.tt/25X3zZM

Pochettino the key to bright Tottenham future - Vertonghen

(Reuters) - Manager Mauricio Pochettino is the key to Tottenham Hotspur delivering "something special" for the next few seasons, defender Jan Vertonghen has said.

http://ift.tt/22rrWu2

Iskandar ready to play in more Superseries events, says Chong Wei

PETALING JAYA: National shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin is set to get more chances to compete in bigger tournaments after a string of impressive performances this year.

http://ift.tt/1RRgAxO

Peng Soon to iron out kinks for chance to win in Rio with Liu Ying

PETALING JAYA: Mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying have the potential to be medal contenders at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August. But first, they must sort out Peng Soon’s weak service game.

http://ift.tt/1Sw1Ikt

Badminton has potential to be bigger outside Asia, says Lin Dan

SINGAPORE: Two-time Olympic champion Lin Dan believes that badminton can do more to become a global sport by allowing tournaments to be played outside the sport’s traditional Asian bastions.

http://ift.tt/1WpmzvP

Remove headphone and talk to team mates, Koeman tells players

(Reuters) - The sight of elite footballers getting off team buses with headphones on does not impress Southampton manager Ronald Koeman, who insists the near-obsession with smartphones and social media leads to a communication breakdown on the pitch.

http://ift.tt/1YrbKbf

Real prepare for 'war' in showdown with Wolfsburg

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Real Madrid are determined to create an intimidating atmosphere for visitors VfL Wolfsburg as they try to overturn a two-goal deficit in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

http://ift.tt/22q77iF

Pellegrini won't abandon philosophy for semi-final place

(Reuters) - Manchester City will not settle for a goalless draw against Paris St Germain even though that result would send them into the Champions League semi-finals because it would go against their philosophy, manager Manuel Pellegrini said.

http://ift.tt/1VOSoxv

Ill-prepared Bangladesh plan to give Selangor a fight

PETALING JAYA: The Dhanmondi club from Bangladesh have come with an ill-prepared side of just 14 players – 12 outfield players and two goalkeepers.

http://ift.tt/22q76uW

Nozomi: Japan can still win a gold in Rio without Momota

SINGAPORE: Japan have an opportunity to win gold in badminton at the Rio Olympics, says All-England champion Nozomi Okuhara – a day after Japanese officials announced Kento Momota had been kicked off the team.

http://ift.tt/1oQCKok

Positive outlook for shuttlers in the wake of Malaysian Open

PETALING JAYA: Lee Chong Wei won the Malaysian Open but it could have been better overall.

http://ift.tt/1S55V1A

Man City's Kompany returns to training ahead of PSG clash

(Reuters) - Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany will not make his return from injury in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Paris St Germain, manager Manuel Pellegrini said on Monday.

http://ift.tt/22orEEa

Home win sparks renewed confidence in Chong Wei ahead of Rio

KUALA LUMPUR: Chong Wei’s 21-13, 21-8 win over world No. 1 Chen Long in Sunday’s Malaysian Open final has restored his confidence following early losses at the All-England and Indian Open. He’s surely on the right track for the Rio Olympics.

http://ift.tt/1S50b7Z

Ranieri weeps for joy as Leicester edge closer to title

(Reuters) - Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri was moved to tears after his team outfoxed relegation-threatened Sunderland to move within nine points of their first-ever English top flight title.

http://ift.tt/22nVadf

Malacca lightning victim Petrovski showing progress

PETALING JAYA: Malacca President’s Cup goalkeeper Stefan Petrovski, who was struck by lighting during training, is showing progress.

http://ift.tt/1Yn3DME

Talking points from Kedah vs Penang match

GEORGE TOWN: Penang coach Manzoor Azwira’s regime started off with a battling 2-2 come-from-behind draw against Kedah at the Darulaman Stadium. Kedah’s Liridon Krasniqi twice put the Red Eagles ahead in the 24th and 61st minutes on Saturday night, only for the Panthers to hit back through Matias Cordoba (30th) and Darwira Sazan (86th).

http://ift.tt/23misGe

PSG count cost of injuries ahead of Man City return

PARIS - Paris St Germain coach Laurent Blanc says injuries are taking their toll ahead of the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Manchester City in midweek.

http://ift.tt/1Nieemc

Ratchanok aiming the No. 1 spot after Malaysian Open win

SHAH ALAM: Ratchanok Intanon lived up to her own high expectations after clinching the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open women’s singles title.

http://ift.tt/1SpvCGW

I haven't signed a contract with anyone, says Mourinho

LONDON (Reuters) - Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has not signed a contract with anybody, he said on Saturday, but expects to be back in football in time for the start of next season and would prefer to work in England again.

http://ift.tt/1RMdifr

Barca coach challenges stuttering team to repeat treble

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona coach Luis Enrique has challenged his stuttering side to respond to Saturday's 1-0 La Liga defeat at Real Sociedad by repeating last season's treble of Champions League, domestic title and King’s Cup.

http://ift.tt/1Q1xJ2r

Chong Wei subdues Chen Long to win Malaysian Open title

SHAH ALAM: SHAH ALAM: Lee Chong Wei put up a commanding performance to win the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open for a record 11th time on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/1qgi1ev

No joy for Peng Soon-Liu Ying at Malaysian Open

SHAH ALAM: Mixed doubles pair Chen Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying's hopes of winning the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open just fell short in the end.

http://ift.tt/1Mntkfm

Revitalised Penang nick a point, Pahang score first win

GEORGE TOWN: Manzoor Azwira began his tenure as Penang head coach with a battling 2-2 Super League away draw to Kedah at the Darulaman Stadium.

http://ift.tt/1RXxmrR

Inter up to fourth after Icardi sinks Frosinone

ROME, (Reuters) - Mauro Icardi scored the only goal as Roberto Mancini's unconvincing Inter Milan won 1-0 at relegation-threatened Frosinone in Serie A on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1UQf01y

Malaysia focus on Rio Olympics over Thomas Cup Finals

SHAH ALAM: The Thomas Cup Finals will take a backseat as Badminton Association of Malaysia’s (BAM) priority this year is the Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

http://ift.tt/1RKwIkC

Peng Soon-Liu Ying break jinx to reach Malaysian Open final

SHAH ALAM: Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying finally broke their winless jinx against world No. 1 Zhang Nan-Zhao Yunlei of China.

http://ift.tt/1qDhunV

Chong Wei, mixed doubles check into Malaysian Open final

SHAH ALAM: Lee Chong Wei underlined his determination for a record 11th Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open win after producing a masterclass to power into the final.

http://ift.tt/1RKsZDE

United's Rooney returns to training after injury layoff

(Reuters) - Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney has returned to training as he recovers from a knee injury and will play for the under-21s against Middlesbrough on Monday, said manager Louis van Gaal.

http://ift.tt/1S2ytIO

Injury hits England midfielder Henderson's Euro 2016 hopes

LONDON (Reuters) - Liverpool's England midfielder Jordan Henderson will be sidelined for six to eight weeks with a knee ligament injury, ruling him out for the rest of the Premier League season and possibly the Euro 2016 campaign.

http://ift.tt/1RKo2e9

Torres' Atletico future unclear despite Simeone backing

BARCELONA, (Reuters) - Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone underlined his faith in Fernando Torres on Friday in spite of his midweek sending-off but stopped short of saying the striker had a future at the club.

http://ift.tt/1S2ytIM

Kalou rescues point as Hertha draw with Hanover

BERLIN (Reuters) - Hertha Berlin striker Salomon Kalou scored a second-half equaliser as they stumbled to a 2-2 draw against bottom side Hanover 96 on Friday, opening the door to their rivals in the battle for Germany's third Champions League spot.

http://ift.tt/1RKo2e6

Malaysia is second home to giant-slayer Tzu-ying

SHAH ALAM: Malaysia is fast becoming a second home to Taiwanese womens singles shuttler Tai Tzu-ying. The 21-year-old won her maiden Superseries title in Malaysia in 2013. She also finished as runner-up at the Superseries Finals that was held in Kuala Lumpur that year.

http://ift.tt/1YjcoaH

Lin Dan blasts court officials after no semi showdown with Chong Wei

SHAH ALAM: There will be no Lee Chong Wei-Lin Dan showdown at the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open badminton championships after the latter lost to Jan O Jorgensen of Denmark.

http://ift.tt/1Mkc8Yc

Danish doubles go “Mads" at Malaysian Open

SHAH ALAM: Denmark’s Mads Conrad-Petersen and Mads Pieler Kolding pulled off a stunning 21-8, 17-21, 21-17 win over second seeds and defending champions Mohammad Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan of Indonesia in the quarter-finals at the Malawati Stadium on Friday.

http://ift.tt/25Pq6Yt

Peng Soon-Liu Ying storm to semis, face world champs Zhang Nan-Yunlei

SHAH ALAM: Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying reached their first Superseries semi-finals in three years after a hard-fought win over Thailand’s Puavaranukroh Dechapol-Sapsiree Taerattanachai at the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open.

http://ift.tt/1VE5L3t

It's pure joy for Jonatan to reach Malaysian Open semis.

SHAH ALAM: It has been a rapid rise for Indonesian youngster Jonatan Christie. The 18-year-old is now ranked 37th in the world despite only being promoted into the senior squad last year. And he continues to make waves.

http://ift.tt/1qxZKKh

Pumped up Chong Wei, Peng Soon-Liu Ying check into Malaysian Open semis

SHAH ALAM: Mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying checked into the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open semi-finals after a hard fought win over Thailand's Puavaranukroh Dechapol-Sapsiree Taerattanachai.

http://ift.tt/1qbKsKx

Tearful Tago wants mercy for Momota over casino visit

TOKYO (Reuters) - A team mate of Japanese badminton Olympic medal hope Kento Momota on Friday confessed to taking the world number two-ranked player to an illegal casino and tearfully begged officials to allow the star to compete at the Rio de Janeiro Games.

http://ift.tt/25ORkyr

Pellegrini risks Belgium ire with desire to play Kompany

(Reuters) - Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini's plans to play captain Vincent Kompany in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final, second-leg against Paris St Germain could rekindle his feud with Belgium manager Marc Wilmots over the defender.

http://ift.tt/22hazMx

Chen Long feels just right at home despite complains all around

SHAH ALAM: Defending champion Chen Long proved to be very much at home at the Malawati Stadium as he cruised into the men’s singles quarter-finals of the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open.

http://ift.tt/1Mhy5am

Baines says sorry for critical Everton comments

(Reuters) - Everton full back Leighton Baines has apologised for comments he made questioning the team's chemistry, manager Roberto Martinez said on Thursday.

http://ift.tt/23eyu4T

Chin up girls! Vivian-Khe Wei go down fighting at home tournament

SHAH ALAM: Vivian Hoo and Woon Khe Wei may have failed to match last year’s quarter-final run at the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open, but the women’s doubles pair can still hold their heads high.

http://ift.tt/1q9gUgF

Arsenal back Wilshere over alleged night-club incident

(Reuters) - Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger has given Jack Wilshere his support after it was alleged the midfielder was involved in a late-night altercation at the weekend, saying the incident was "taken out of proportion".

http://ift.tt/1XjiVSz

Shocked Chong Wei believes Momota will bounce back from gambling setback

SHAH ALAM: Malaysia’s No. 1 Lee Chong Wei has jumped to the defence of Kento Momota, who has been stripped of the right to compete in the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.

http://ift.tt/1MhfoUi

Peng Soon-Liu Ying upset China's Xu Chen-Ma Jin to enjoy timely Olympic boost

SHAH ALAM: National mixed doubles pair Chan Peng Soon-Goh Liu Ying earn a morale-boosting win ahead of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics when they downed world No. 4 Xu Chen-Ma Jin of China to reach the quarter-finals of the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open.

http://ift.tt/1TDR3JN

Old-hand Haifeng bemoans the inconsistency of China’s younger pairs

KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran doubles specialist Fu Haifeng believes that China’s doubles shuttlers are simply not consistent enough.

http://ift.tt/1qvsPGq

Sindhu's wait for a first Superseries title set to end this year

SHAH ALAM: India's P.V. Sindhu believes she can finally land a Superseries title this year. She has five Grand Prix Gold victories to her name, but not a single Superseries crown.

http://ift.tt/1SeUeCg

Stoke's Shawcross, Shaqiri back in training after injury

(Reuters) - Stoke City skipper Ryan Shawcross and influential midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri have returned to full training ahead of Sunday's Premier League trip to Liverpool after missing the last two games through injury.

http://ift.tt/1MU6r3h

Momota gambles with Olympic berth after casino visit

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese badminton trailblazer Kento Momota is set to miss the Rio de Janeiro Olympics later this year after admitting to gambling at an illegal casino, local media reported on Thursday.

http://ift.tt/1qug8M5

Malaysian pair have put Indian Open sorrow behind

SHAH ALAM: National men's doubles pair Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong wasted little time in putting their Indian Open disappointment behind them as they got their Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open campaign off to a thunderous start.

http://ift.tt/1SPTzdM

Easy-going Chong Wei cruises to effortless win in Malaysian Open

SHAH ALAM: World No. 3 Lee Chong Wei was hardly tested as he made a winning start to his Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open campaign.

http://ift.tt/1TBY1z3

Vivian-Woon get crucial first round win in Malaysian Open

SHAH ALAM: National women’s doubles pair Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei held their nerves to claim a crucial win over Germany’s Isabel Herttrich-Birgit Michels.

http://ift.tt/1ROeVWj

Leicester's Ranieri says his aim was to avoid relegation

(Reuters) - Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri's primary objective this season was to avoid relegation after their narrow escape last year, he has said in an interview as his team stand seven points clear atop the Premier League.

http://ift.tt/1XgTocC

League leaders JDT throw down the gauntlet

JOHOR BARU: Stop us if you can! This is the challenge issued by Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) manager Mario Gomez after watching his team extend their impressive unbeaten run in all competitions to 12 matches.

http://ift.tt/1UVOZ1h

Tontowi-Liliyana happy to see Praveen-Debby stepping up

SHAH ALAM: Indonesian mixed doubles pair Tontowi Ahmad-Liliyana Natsir are glad to finally have some familiar faces for company at the top of the world ranking.

http://ift.tt/1V99182

Xuerui scrambling to get a spot to Rio Olympics

SHAH ALAM: World No. 2 Li Xuerui is pulling out all the stops to make sure she gets the chance to defend her Olympic gold medal in Rio de Janeiro this August.

http://ift.tt/1S1Fe0S

Russian duo hope to make badminton big at home

SHAH ALAM: There was no such fanfare in Russia for Vladimir Ivanov and Ivan Sozonov when they won the All-England men’s doubles title.

http://ift.tt/1qqPwLT

Bayern edge Benfica thanks to early Vidal goal

MUNICH (Reuters) - Bayern Munich will take a slender lead into the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Benfica after Arturo Vidal's early goal earned a 1-0 win over the resolute Portuguese side on Tuesday.

http://ift.tt/1WbIDd6

Frost admits his blunder over Vivian-Khe Wei Olympics plan

SHAH ALAM: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) technical director Morten Frost admits over a mistake in charting Vivian Hoo-Woon Khe Wei’s tournament plans.

http://ift.tt/1S1djy1

Real must be wary of Wolfsburg, says Zidane

BERLIN (Reuters) - Real Madrid know they cannot rest on their laurels after beating Barcelona and must beware a VfL Wolfsburg transformation in Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, first leg, said coach Zinedine Zidane.

http://ift.tt/239vBT5

Man City midfielder Toure out of PSG game, Hart fit

PARIS (Reuters) - Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure will miss Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final, first leg at Paris St Germain with a knee injury but keeper Joe Hart is fit, manager Manuel Pellegrini said on Tuesday.

http://ift.tt/1S9BDrk

Malacca football players hospitalised after struck by lightning

PETALING JAYA: Two Malacca President’s Cup players have been admitted to hospital after being struck by lightning.

http://ift.tt/1S7XMGj

Ahsan-Hendra eyeing title defence despite challenges

SHAH ALAM: Indonesians Mohd Ahsan-Hendra Setiawan have built up a fearsome reputation as a pair that delivers on big occasions.

http://ift.tt/203TK84

Irfan happy with Felda's fighting spirit against Terengganu

PETALING JAYA: Felda United lived up to their Fighters nickname.

http://ift.tt/1RC1tIA

Shuttlers concede defeat in race to Rio

SHAH ALAM: Independent shuttlers Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong have conceded defeat in their bid to qualify for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in August.

http://ift.tt/25ILLBs

Iskandar back from injury abyss to reach Malaysian Open main draw

SHAH ALAM: Shuttler Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin made a winning return to reach the main draw of a Superseries tournament for the first time.

http://ift.tt/1MPVOhY

Lin Dan feeling good for Malaysian Open title challenge

SHAH ALAM: Chinese superstar Lin Dan has five world titles and two Olympic gold medals.

http://ift.tt/1RLlol5

Allardyce seeks hand of God to upset Leicester's applecart

(Reuters) - Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce will seek divine intervention ahead of Sunday's clash with Premier League leaders Leicester City after watching his relegation-threatened side fail to convert dominance into goals last weekend.

http://ift.tt/1XenayP

Family deny alleged Messi involvement in tax scheme

BARCELONA (Reuters) - Barcelona forward Lionel Messi's family have denied Spanish media reports that arose following the leak of the 'Panama papers' that said he was involved in a tax evasion scheme.

http://ift.tt/1qrnFLb

Toure will leave Man City in June, says agent

LONDON (Reuters) - Manchester City's midfield powerhouse Yaya Toure will leave the club at the end of the season having not been offered a new contract, his agent said on Monday.

http://ift.tt/1Xenai9

Felda top Super League after thrashing Terengganu

PETALING JAYA: Felda United leapfrogged Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) into pole position in the Super League after completing a come-from-behind win.

http://ift.tt/1RIMkSn

Rooney keen to extend England career as competition grows

(Reuters) - England captain Wayne Rooney believes he still has "a few years left" playing for his country, dispelling speculation that the 30-year-old Manchester United forward could soon bring the curtain down on his international career.

http://ift.tt/1MO0LHS

Conte arrival heralds change of style at Chelsea

LONDON (Reuters) - A fierce work ethic, an astute tactical brain and the ability to forge superb team spirit all combined to make Italian Antonio Conte an acclaimed winner in his own country which is why Chelsea have chosen him to revive their fortunes in England.

http://ift.tt/1RIMf17

Outgoing Wei Feng tells juniors to make most of their time

SHAH ALAM: Outgoing national shuttler Chong Wei Feng has urged his juniors to make the best of their time in the national team.

http://ift.tt/2000HqP

Marin out to make noise in Malaysia after quiet season

SHAH ALAM: It has not been a good season so far for world No. 1 shuttler Carolina Marin. The Spaniard failed to defend her crown at last month’s All-England in the women’s singles semi-finals.

http://ift.tt/1S2TLTK

Chong Wei ready for Malaysian Open despite dip in form

SHAH ALAM: Lee Chong Wei may not be in the form of his life for the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open, but he’s not flustered.

http://ift.tt/1UDgv3f

Good job! BAM partner with Solibad for noble cause

KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) are going out of their territory to promote work among the underprivileged children. The national body have taken a positive step by signing the Solibad Charter on Monday.

http://ift.tt/1UPzUhC

Jorgensen eyes revenge over Lin Dan at Malaysian Open

SHAH ALAM: Shuttler Jan O Jorgensen is relishing the prospect of taking on Lin Dan again at the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open - just four weeks after losing to the Chinese superstar at the All-England.

http://ift.tt/1S1XnoQ

Injury leads to mediocrity, admits Liverpool boss Klopp

(Reuters) - Manager Juergen Klopp blamed Liverpool's poor injury record for their position in the Premier League table after watching his team draw 1-1 with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1VpiPtt

Leicester 'dreaming' of title after win over Southampton

LONDON (Reuters) - A year to the day since being seven points from safety at the foot of the Premier League and facing relegation, Leicester City moved seven points clear at the top of table when they beat Southampton 1-0 at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.

http://ift.tt/222CgIP

Charlton honoured as Old Trafford stand is named after him

LONDON (Reuters) - Bobby Charlton, still Manchester United's record goalscorer more than 40 years after retiring as a player, was given an emotional salute on the Old Trafford pitch on Sunday when the South Stand was named the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand in his honour.

http://ift.tt/25EKeMV

Ajax cruise back to top spot after emotional Cruyff tribute

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Ajax Amsterdam returned to the top of the Dutch league after a comfortable 3-0 home victory over PEC Zwolle on Sunday, the first match they had played since the death of club hero Johan Cruyff.

http://ift.tt/222Cj7p

Another feather in Jin Wei's hat with Orleans title

PETALING JAYA: Goh Jin Wei made it three titles from three finals after she won the Orleans International badminton championships women’s singles title in France.

http://ift.tt/1TtjLwQ

Momota downs Axelsen to bag season's first win

PETALING JAYA: Kento Momota bagged his first title of the season after beating Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen at the Indian Open.

http://ift.tt/1SLm4ZX

Wee Kiong to keep temper in check at Malaysian Open

SHAH ALAM: Shuttler Tan Wee Kiong has promised not to let his emotions get the better of him at the Celcom Axiata Malaysian Open.

http://ift.tt/1MLzRR7

Spurs draw at Liverpool leaves Pochettino frustrated

Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino punched the Anfield turf in frustration at the final whistle after his side drew 1-1 with Liverpool in a Premier League match full of thrilling, attacking action on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1RVHctp

Man City's early burst sinks Bournemouth

(Reuters) - Manchester City scored three early goals on the way to an emphatic 4-0 win over Bournemouth on Saturday that kept them fourth in the Premier League.

http://ift.tt/1RTwUA8

Stoke let two-goal lead slip to hand Swansea a draw

(Reuters) - Swansea City fought back with goals from Gylfi Sigurdsson and Alberto Paloschi to escape with a draw from the Britannia Stadium after the home side led 2-0 through goals by Ibrahim Afellay and Bojan Krkic.

http://ift.tt/1pUlorx

Defoe misfires as Sunderland draw keeps them in mire

(Reuters) - Sunderland were plunged into even deeper trouble in the fight to avoid Premier League relegation on Saturday after they failed to turn their pressure into goals against West Bromwich Albion.

http://ift.tt/1RTwUzY

Determined Goh knows the Wei to bounce back

PETALING JAYA: Youngster Goh Jin Wei exacted sweet revenge over Germany's Olga Konon at the Orleans International in France.

http://ift.tt/25CLTm9

Pato breaks his duck as pitiful Villa surrender again

(Reuters) - Chelsea's on-loan Brazilian international Alexandre Pato scored on his debut to help push pathetic Aston Villa to the verge of inevitable relegation with a seventh successive Premier League defeat on Saturday.

http://ift.tt/1qdd8na

No first Superseries final for V Shem-Wee Kiong with defeat in India

PETALING JAYA: Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong's bid for a first Superseries final appearance ended in vain after they lost in the semi-finals of the Indian Open.

http://ift.tt/1ZTbhzG

Southampton confident of beating anybody, says Koeman

(Reuters) - Southampton's impressive results away to some of the biggest Premier League teams this season have convinced manager Ronald Koeman that his side need not fear Sunday's visit to leaders and title favourites Leicester City.

http://ift.tt/1Tq9L7x

Chelsea's Costa handed extra one-match ban

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea striker Diego Costa must serve an extra one-match ban after being sent off in last month's FA Cup tie at Everton, the Football Association said on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1VfXanw

Terry has look of a future manager, says Hiddink

LONDON (Reuters) - Chelsea captain John Terry is showing all the qualities of a future manager, the club's interim boss Guus Hiddink said on Friday.

http://ift.tt/1N00exo

Being Clasico underdogs no problem for Real, says Zidane

MADRID (Reuters) - Zinedine Zidane is unconcerned by suggestions that his Real Madrid side go into Saturday’s ‘Clasico’ against runaway La Liga leaders Barcelona as big underdogs.

http://ift.tt/1q9uzoJ

V Shem-Wee Kiong pull off stunner to reach Indian Open semi

PETALING JAYA: Shuttlers Goh V Shem-Tan Wee Kiong put up a great show to storm into the men’s doubles semi-finals of the Indian Open.

http://ift.tt/1MGujqQ

Villa drop Agbonlahor after shisha pipe pictures

LONDON (Reuters) - Aston Villa forward Gabriel Agbonlahor has been dropped from the first team pending an investigation after pictures were published by British media of him apparently smoking a shisha pipe.

http://ift.tt/1MZ3IAj

No need to panic over Chong Wei’s early exit in India, says Frost

KUALA LUMPUR: Stay calm. It’s what happens at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics that matters. That is the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) technical director Morten Frost's reaction after Lee Chong Wei's second round defeat at the Indian Open in New Delhi on Thursday.

http://ift.tt/1TnbASG

Leeds' Doukara handed eight-game biting ban

LONDON (Reuters) - Leeds United striker Souleymane Doukara has been banned for eight matches for biting an opponent, the English second-tier club and the Football Association said on Thursday.

http://ift.tt/1MYvn4j