PAUL NEWMAN IN CARDIFF: He has become England's leading runscorer in Test cricket and has captained them to success at home against Australia and both home and away against India but few achievements can have matched this for Alastair Cook. Everything he touched in Cardiff turned to gold, a welcome habit that reached a glorious climax today.
Van Gaal's Old Trafford spending spree continues with £14.4m capture of Italy defender Darmian from Torino
Manchester United have completed the signing of Torino right-back Matteo Darmian for an undisclosed fee after he passed his medical successfully. The 25-year-old, who made 146 appearances and scored five goals for Torino during his time there has agreed a four-year contract at Old Trafford.
Federer surfing a wave of support as he prepares for final showdown with Djokovic
MIKE DICKSON: Novak Djokovic could not blink back the tears after he missed out on the French Open title five weeks ago and the Roland Garros crowd saluted him on the podium. Not always the most sympathetic audience, the remarkable outpouring of goodwill deeply moved the world No 1, who craves winning the French Open and completing his collection of Grand Slam titles. Wimbledon's Centre Court tends to be a more impartial arena, but on Sunday there is only one person the vast majority will be cheering for - and it is not the 28 year-old Serb.
Williams beats Muguruza in straight sets in Wimbledon final to complete 'Serena Slam'
NICK HARRIS AT WIMBLEDON: Serena Williams has completed the second 'Serena Slam' of her utterly extraordinary career by adding the Wimbledon singles title - her sixth in SW19 - to those she holds from last year's US Open and this year's Australian Open and French Open. The 33-year-old American beat Garbine Muguruza of Spain in a match more thrilling than the 6-4, 6-4 score suggests to win the 21st Grand Slam singles titles of her career. Williams has won six Slam singles titles in Australia, three in Paris and six in New York as well as six here on these lawns now.
'I was excited about being punched in the head again': Crolla, back from the brink after battling with burglars, is a hero no matter what happens against Perez
Anthony Crolla sits in the passenger seat and closes the door. We edge the car down his close and turn right at the T-junction. Then right again, just like the fleeing burglars did on that December evening last year. We follow the path of their flight. It's light and calm now, not dark and frantic as it was then. Next, Crolla gestures to turn left on to a street lined with semi-detached houses. As it curves to the right, he points to one and we stop. 'It was there,' he says, gazing through the car window. 'That's where it happened. You can still see one of the stone slabs on top of the wall.' Crolla is a modest man. The only flash thing about him is his nickname, 'Million Dollar'. That's there for the rhyme, not the size of his purses. He tells his story the way most heroes do. He feels no need for embellishment or bravado. He litters everything he says about what he did with self-deprecation. He tells what happened as if it were unremarkable.
Van Persie says farewell to friends as he prepares to head to Fenerbahce to seal move from Manchester United
Robin van Persie will arrive in Istanbul this weekend to complete his transfer from Manchester United to Fenerbachce, according to the Turkish club's chairman Aziz Yildirim.
Casillas agrees Porto deal as Real Madrid confirm club legend is on his way out
Real Madrid have announced that legendary goalkeeper Iker Casillas has agreed a move to Porto. The Spanish giants announced on their official website on Saturday that the 34-year-old will be making the switch, as well as thanking him for his service. Terms were finally agreed after a lengthy transfer saga that angered Casillas to the point where he turned down the offer of a send off in the stadium.
Spieth shoots stunning 61 to lead John Deere Classic going into last round
Jordan Spieth charged into the lead with a stunning finish to his third round at the John Deere Classic on Saturday. Masters and U.S. Open champion Spieth played the final three holes in four-under as he finished birdie, eagle, birdie at TPC Deere Run in Silvis, Illinois. He holed out with a wedge from 107 yards at the par-five 17th, before running in a 15-foot birdie at the last for a 10-under-par 61.
McGregor and Mendes kept apart at heated weigh-in as thousands descend on Vegas
Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes were unable to complete the traditional face-off on Friday night as the simmering tension between the pair reached boiling point. Mendes stepped in for the injured champion Jose Aldo at less than three weeks' notice but weighed in half a pound under the 145lb featherweight limit in Las Vegas.
Neymar gets over Copa America disappointment with Octagon girls at UFC pool party in Vegas
Stars of the UFC gathered in Las Vegas as anticipation hit fever pitch ahead of Conor McGregor's featherweight title fight against Chad Mendes.
McClaren enjoys winning start as Toon boss after Cisse penalty sinks near neighbours
GATESHEAD 0-1 NEWCASTLE - CRAIG HOPE: Steve McClaren's Newcastle reign began with victory at non-League Gateshead - but it is a transfer breakthrough off the pitch that the head coach will be celebrating. Holland international Georginio Wijnaldum met with the Magpies boss on Friday and his £13m arrival from PSV is set to be confirmed.
Depay paints the town red after crowning his Man United move with night out in city centre before tour
New Manchester United forward Memphis Depay has wasted little time in getting to known some of Manchester's most swish venues, after being pictured heading into city centre on Saturday night. The £25million arrival from PSV Eindhoven was introduced at an Old Trafford press conference on Friday afternoon, and barely 24 hours later the Dutch international was all smiles as he saluted a photographer on his way into the night.
THE PICK OF MAILONLINE'S SPORTS WRITING
Ramos back in Real Madrid training as Manchester United wait to pounce... but what's Bale doing with opera star Domingo?
Real Madrid defender Sergio Ramos might be a transfer target for Manchester United, but the 29-year-old does not seem to be losing any focus and turned up for pre-season training with his club as expected on Saturday. With United leaking 37 goals in the Premier League last term, they have made defensive reinforcements one of their top priorities this summer and Spain international Ramos fits the bill perfectly. Madrid are interested in signing United's goalkeeper David de Gea and there has been plenty of speculation that Ramos could be in line for some sort of part-exchange deal as a makeweight.
Ronaldinho seals Fluminense move as Brazil legend opts for return home
Ronaldinho has returned home, as the Brazil legend was confirmed as a Fluminense player on Saturday. The club took to Twitter to post a picture of the 35-year-old posing with their shirt adorned with his name and squad No 10.
After Liverpool's Henderson won vote to be on FIFA 16 cover with Messi... how many of the previous editions do you remember?
Jordan Henderson has been announced as the cover star for FIFA 16 after the creators EA Sports put it to a public vote for the first time in the video game's history. Liverpool's newly-appointed captain is the first Reds player to feature on the front cover and will feature alongside Barcelona star Lionel Messi. He becomes the latest face to feature on the game which first launched as FIFA International Soccer in late 1993.
Cech chooses to wear No 33 as he prepares for new chapter at Arsenal
Just 24 hours after completing his first training session with his new club, Petr Cech has announced the squad number he will wear for Arsenal. He may be the Gunners undisputed No 1 heading into the forthcoming season, but Cech has decided that No 33 will be more appropriate for his career at the Emirates Stadium. And he took to Twitter on Saturday to tell us the reasons why.
Wimbledon
The Ashes
STARS OF SPORT
- Depay paints the town red after crowning his Man United move Memphis Depay has wasted little time in getting to know some of Manchester's top venues
- Arsenal goalkeeper Cech picks squad No 33 ahead of new season Petr Cech made selection after appearing in Premier League 333 times at the age of 33
- Ronaldinho completes Fluminense move as Brazil legend opts to return home The club took to Twitter to post a picture of the star posing with their shirt
- Neymar's sister Rafaella gets Barcelona star's eyes tattooed on her arm Neymar had an image of his sibling inked on his own arm last month
- The Barmy Army, beer and bizarre mascots... oh, and some cricket: The only guide to the Ashes 2015 you really need SPONSORED
MORE STARS OF SPORT
- Ribery and Bayern team-mates pay tribute to Schweinsteiger after Manchester United move is confirmed Bayern Munich players are sad to see him leave
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Wijnaldum gets a glimpse of St James' Park after leaving PSV in £14.5m dealNewcastle have finally made their first signing of the summer
- McGregor and Mendes clash during weigh-in ahead of UFC title showdown in Las Vegas Thousands of fans turned out to see the featherweight fighters
- Williams makes it joy of six at Wimbledon after beating Muguruza to win yet another title Serena Williams remains on course to complete a calendar Grand Slam
- Making a splash... Neymar joins UFC stars at Las Vegas pool party Excitement building ahead of Conor McGregor's title fight against Chad Mendes
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De Bruyne delighted to run into 'legend' Gerrard
Wolfsburg winger Kevin de Bruyne met Steven Gerrard while he enjoyed a tour of LA Galaxy's club facilities this week
- Calum Chambers enjoys trip to Wembley for Ed Sheeran concert The Arsenal defender had night out before rejoining his team-mates for pre-season training
- Which Euro stars took a dip... 57 floors up? After a turbulent few months the players took time out to relax in an iconic infinity pool, 57 storeys above ground
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Bale loving life in the fast lane as Real star poses next to supercarGareth Bale pictured next to a rather flash Mercedes SLS AMG worth over £148,000
- Nice to meet you, Rafa... but I'm off! Manchester United target Ramos jokes around with Benitez and Real chiefs At boss's meet and greet
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The armband passes: Henderson declares it a 'great honour' to replace Gerrard as Liverpool captain
Glimpse of Jordan Henderson as skipper
- Newcastle boss is up for the cuppa Steve McClaren watched his side earn 1-0 win at Gateshead while drinking tea from an 'England 66' mug
- Hello Cabaye! Crystal Palace announce £12.8m signing from Paris Saint-Germain Crystal Palace have completed the statement signing of Yohan Cabaye
- Mayweather splashes his cash (again): Mr Money spends $100,000 to transform Jeep Wrangler into super slick off-roader that features iPad system
- Ogbonna signs for West Ham from Juventus for £8.5m West Ham have made a big buy after snapping up defender from the Italian giants
- Hingis reaches Wimbledon final... 17 years after her last! Martina Hingis won through to the ladies doubles final with partner Sania Mirza
- Rakitic enjoys final few days of his summer with wife Raquel Ivan Rakitic is enjoying his break after his Champions League heroics with Barcelona
- Turan delight at joining 'the best club in the world' as Barcelona unveil new £29m man Arda Turan has completed his switch from Atletico Madrid
- Sorry Neymar... Chelsea winger Cuadrado wins race to appear on FIFA 16 cover with Messi Unlikely cover star in Latin America
- And Catley makes history as Aussie becomes first female footballer to appear on front of EA Sports game Steph Catley fronts game Down Under
- Szczesny proposes to girlfriend Marina Luczenko (it's just a shame he's not loved as much by Arsenal) Former No 1 is engaged to Marina Luczenko
- Ings trains with Liverpool team-mates for first time Danny Ings was joined by Mario Balotelli, his competition for a striker's spot at Liverpool
- Goldenballs does tennis balls! Beckham shows he hasn't lost his skills at Wimbledon David Beckham caught a stray shot while watching on Centre Court
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Manchester United target Ramos soaks up sun in Ibiza... but will the defender jump ship at Real Madrid?Could be a big transfer ahead for the defender
- Real Madrid complete Danilo deal in £22.6m transfer from Porto Brazilian defender has been unveiled as a Real Madrid player at the Santiago Bernabeu
- Fabregas hits the town with pregnant girlfriend ahead of return to Chelsea training Cesc Fabregas spotted alongside Daniella Semaan in London
- Happy birthday, Ash... but how old are you? It's not hard to guess Ashley Young's age as thanks to a birthday surprise from his Man United team-mates
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Welcome to Hollywood! Gerrard living LA lifestyle as Liverpool legend midfielder rubs shoulders with One Direction star Horan
LA Galaxy debut looms - Get Schneiderlin! Van Gaal urges Manchester United chiefs to tie up deal before US tour as Southampton ace is pictured back in training Offer of £20m rejected
- De Gea takes his mind off Real speculation by linking up with Federer at Wimbledon David de Gea, Juan Mata and Ander Herrera spent a day chilling at SW19
- England put through the pain barrier by Lancaster as they step up World Cup prep Their World Cup opener is two months away but England are hard at work
- Terry and Cahill lead from the back as they return to Chelsea training before the rest John Terry has again proven his dedication to carry on at the top level
- World Cup hero Duggan gets back into the groove at Man City training just four days after bronze medal win Toni Duggan posed with pal Krystle Johnston
- Joshua takes time out from fight preparations to watch Murray cruise through at Wimbledon Anthony Joshua took a break from his prep for his September 12 fight
- United kid Keane joins Preston North End on season-long loan deal Striker Will Keane will follows in the footsteps of David Beckham and Danny Welbeck by moving to Deepdale
- McIlroy OUT of The Open after injury ankle playing football World No 1 won't play at St Andrews due to ankle injury sustained playing football with friends
- Ronaldo meets semi-naked silicon dummy of himself in another weird Japanese fitness advert He's improving his global brand... but it's not much like Madame Tussauds
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Tottenham release new images of 61,000-seater stadium... which will host NFL games with a retractable pitch
Spurs confirm 10-year deal with the NFL
- Gyan lands in China to complete his lucrative move to Shanghai Former Sunderland striker will be one of the best paid players in the world at Shanghai SIPG
- De Gea joins Herrera and Mata on shopping spree as Real Madrid transfer saga continues David de Gea took his mind off the uncertainty surrounding his future
- Ronaldo found my lost phone then took me and my friends for dinner, claims girl during Las Vegas trip Cristiano Ronaldo is enjoying the summer
- Suarez to feature in a children's book as a vampire as Barcelona star's history comes back to bite him Luis Suarez has been immortalised
- Smoothie operator: Nasri weaves his way around the fruit bar as Man City stars return Samir Nasri made a smoothie during his first day back at training
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Gerrard trains with LA Galaxy team-mates for the first time as he joins former Keane in MLS
Former England captain trained for the first time since leaving Liverpool
- Demichelis to marry Playboy model Evangelina Anderson in Buenos Aires ceremony The Manchester City defender is having more joy off the pitch than on it
- WATCH the moment tennis bad boy Kyrgios denies he 'tanked' during Wimbledon Kyrgios faced tough questions from Sportsmail's Sale
- Aston Villa unveil new 2015-16 kits, including a bright yellow away strip with black trim Aston Villa have unveiled their brand new claret-and-blue strip
- Fabregas returns to London and shows off his talents on a mini-Segway Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas will begin training this week
- Everton new boys Deulofeu and Cleverley settle into their new surroundings Gerard Deulofeu and Tom Cleverley joined in training on Tuesday
- Beckham Jnr and Coughlin join host of US sports stars to strip for iconic ESPN Body Issue Some of the biggest names have bared all for this year's issue
- American dream becomes a reality for Gerrard as he is pictured in LA Galaxy kit for first time Gerrard makes his MLS debut this weekend
- Watch out Eden, there's a new Hazard in town! Younger brother Kylian nets stunning free kick on debut for Ujpest Eden and Thorgan are already stars
- Tosser! Watch the funny advert mocking KP's absence from England's Ashes squad Kevin Pietersen joins village cricket team in new advert
- Charlton stars Jackson and Henderson surprise fan by delivering season ticket in Del Boy's yellow van Charlton gave one fan a surprise of a lifetime
- Ashes hero Flintoff plays cricket with Parlour outside talkSPORT studio Flintoff and Parlour got in the mood for The Ashes with street game
- Xavi holidays in Ibiza as midfielder rests up before move to the Middle East Xavi joined Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba on holiday in Ibiza
- Anelka makes an appearance at Wimbledon ahead of move to Mumbai City Anelka enjoyed a day of tennis ahead of his move to India
LATEST MATCH REPORTS
- Swindon 0-4 Everton: Kevin Mirallas scores twice as subs Romelu Lukaku and Conor McAleny complete comfortable friendly win
- St Albans City 0-4 Watford: Quique Sanchez Flores takes charge of his first game as boss as Etienne Capoue enjoys a run out
- Southampton 4-5 RB Leipzig: Jay Rodriguez scores twice on comeback as Juanmi and Cedric Soares also open their accounts
- Red Bull Salzburg 3-1 West Brom: Tony Pulis' side suffer defeat by Austrian champions in opening pre-season match
- USA 5-2 Japan: Carli Lloyd nets stunning early 13-minute hat-trick as Americans win dramatic Women's World Cup final
- Chile 0-0 Argentina (AET, 4-1 pens): Alexis Sanchez scores winning penalty as hosts clinch Copa America glory in dramatic shootout
- Germany 0-1 England: Lionesses roar to victory in third place play-off tie as England win unprecedented bronze medal at World Cup
- Celtic 3-5 Dukla Prague: Bhoys' Champions League build-up takes a blow as Czech side run riot in friendly
- Peru 2-0 Paraguay: Andre Carrillo and Paolo Guerrero goals secure Copa America third place once again
- USA 4-0 Guatemala: Clint Dempsey scores as Jurgen Klinsmann's side cruise to victory in Gold Cup warm-up
- England take a 1-0 lead in the Ashes after a stunning 169-run win in the first Test in Cardiff as Joe Root...
- England sparkle in the sun for Alastair Cook and signal the start of an exciting new era after Test win over...
- Alastair Cook: Feel-good factor is back in England cricket following first Test victory against Australia
- For the young guys in their first Ashes Test, England's win over Australia is a special moment but there is...
- Manchester United complete Matteo Darmian signing from Torino following defender's successful medical
- Bastian Schweinsteiger set to join Manchester United as Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirms...
- Tottenham look to re-enter race for Morgan Schneiderlin following Manchester United's capture of German...
- Raheem Sterling criticism has to stop, football is ruthless too... if you want loyalty, put a Labrador on...
- Joe Root hails his most important ton after starring as England beat Australia to win first Ashes Test in...
- Liverpool attacker Raheem Sterling to leave it late to make pre-season tour decision as Manchester City make...
- Fabian Delph vows to STAY at Aston Villa in spite of intense speculation linking him with Manchester City
- Mitchell Starc is a serious doubt for the second Ashes Test, says Australia captain Michael Clarke
- Roger Federer is surfing a wave of support as he prepares for his Wimbledon 2015 final showdown with Novak...
- Serena Williams now just one short of Steffi Graf's record after sealing sixth Wimbledon title over Garbine...
- Roger Federer is nullifying stamina with elegance... all real sports fans want him to win Wimbledon final
- Martina Hingis and Sania Mirza fight back to clinch Wimbledon women's doubles title
- Wimbledon 2015: Murray misses out again as Jamie and doubles partner John Peers lose out to Jean-Julien...
- Novak Djokovic can't win Wimbledon 2015 final if Roger Federer continues to serve as majestically as he did...
- Andy Murray is ready to roar back as part of Team GB in the Davis Cup quarter-finals
- Anthony Crolla, back from the brink after battling with burglars, is a hero no matter what happens against...
- Bastian Schweinsteiger set to join Manchester United as Bayern Munich chief Karl-Heinz Rummenigge confirms deal has been reached
- Manchester United set to sign Bastian Schweinsteiger as Bayern Munich midfielder 'agrees three-year deal'
- Conor McGregor and Chad Mendes clash during weigh-in ahead of their UFC 189 featherweight title fight in Las Vegas
- Transfer news LATEST: Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea, Real Madrid and Barcelona plus more from Europe
- Wimbledon live! Serena Williams claims sixth Wimbledon title as Jamie Murray loses out on men's doubles glory at SW19
- Iker Casillas agrees Porto transfer as Real Madrid confirm goalkeeper is on his way
- UFC stars gather in Las Vegas for pool party as the excitement builds ahead of Conor McGregor's title fight against Chad Mendes
- FIFA front covers through the years after Jordan Henderson wins public vote to star alongside Lionel Messi on latest game
- Manchester United complete Matteo Darmian signing from Torino following defender's successful medical
- Robin van Persie and Louis van Gaal were all hugs and high-fives at the World Cup a year ago but now the striker is leaving Man United for Fenerbahce... so where did it all go wrong?
- Sergio Ramos back in Real Madrid training despite interest from Manchester United
- The Ashes 2015 DAY FOUR recap: England vs Australia cricket score from Cardiff
- Robin van Persie says farewell to his friends as he prepares to head to Fenerbahce to seal move from Manchester United
- England take a 1-0 lead in the Ashes after a stunning 169-run win in the first Test in Cardiff as Joe Root puts Australia to the sword with the ball in his hand and Alastair Cook reclaims his golden touch
- Zlatan Ibrahimovic wanted by Inter Milan and AC Milan as rivals battle for PSG star... who is available for just £3.2m this summer
- Serena Williams now just one short of Steffi Graf's record after sealing sixth Wimbledon title over Garbine Muguruza
- Neymar's sister Rafaella gets Barcelona star's eyes inked on arm to return gesture after he revealed portrait tattoo of sibling
- Real Madrid legend Iker Casillas turns down Santiago Bernabeu send off opportunity as he edges closer to Porto move
- Tottenham look to re-enter race for Morgan Schneiderlin following Manchester United's capture of German Bastian Schweinsteiger
- Raheem Sterling included in Liverpool squad for pre-season tour of Far East and Australia... but Mario Balotelli is left out
- MOST READ IN DETAIL
SUMMER LOWDOWN: TRANSFERS, PRE-SEASON AND KITS...
FOOTBALL NEWS
Van Persie and Van Gaal were all hugs and high-fives at the World Cup a year ago but now the striker is leaving Man United for Fenerbahce... so where did it all go wrong?
ADAM SHERGOLD: Louis van Gaal's arrival at Manchester United seemed to be a dream come true for Robin van Persie. Their hugs and high-fives for Holland at the World Cup spoke of their close relationship. But one year on and the striker is on his way to Fenerbahce after falling out of favour with his compatriot. So what went wrong?
Peterborough 3-3 West Ham: Hammers throw away two goal lead as Bilic takes charge for first time
West Ham drew 3-3 at Peterborough in their opening pre-season run-out of the season, with new manager Slaven Bilic taking charge of his team for the first time. After leading 3-1 in the 23rd minute, after a frenetic start in Cambridgeshire in which they went one behind, West Ham threw away their lead, conceding again in the 38th and 59th minute - the latter from the penalty spot.
Gorleston 0-7 Norwich: Jerome bags hat-trick in comfortable Canaries win
Cameron Jerome netted a hat-trick as Norwich City got their pre-season campaign off to a perfect start with a 7-0 victory over Eastern Counties League side Gorleston at Emerald Park on Saturday. It took just four minutes for Jerome to open the scoring, finding the bottom corner after being teed up by Graham Dorrans, before netting again inside the opening ten minutes when he was found by Elliot Bennett. Jerome turned provider to set up Tony Andreu for the newly-promoted Premier League side's third, then completed his hat-trick just after the half-hour mark.
Time for the talking to stop, says Gerrard as ex-Reds midfielder relishes LA Galaxy debut
Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard says he is 'itching to get out there' and join his LA Galaxy team-mates, ahead of his debut for his new club. Gerrard signed for the MLS club after leaving Liverpool this summer, and is set to make his league debut in a week's time. But before then the Galaxy have a friendly against Mexican side Club America and a US Open Cup quarter-final against Real Salt Lake.
Mirallas scores twice as subs Lukaku and McAleny complete comfortable friendly win for Everton
SWINDON 0-4 EVERTON: Kevin Mirallas gave Roberto Martinez a timely reminder of his attacking qualities as he scored twice in Everton's friendly win against Swindon.
Not again! Blackpool fans invade pitch in protest at chairman Oyston to ensure friendly at Lancaster is abandoned
Blackpool's pre-season friendly at Lancaster was abandoned after a number of fans invaded the pitch.
OTHER SPORTS NEWS
Australian jockey Toomey back in the saddle two years after 'dying' in fall at Perth
Races do not come much more humdrum than the novices' selling hurdle at Southwell on Sunday afternoon when five runners chase a first prize of little more than £3,000. But to Brian Toomey it is, quite simply, 'the biggest race of my life'. Just being able to weigh out to ride hot favourite Kings Grey is a massive odds-defying achievement by miracle man Toomey. This is the 26-year-old who was dead for six seconds after a horrendous fall from Solway Dandy at Perth in July 2013.
Froome man in form as Brit retains lead in Tour de France while Nibali falls short
Chris Froome is proving himself to be very much the alpha male on this Tour. It now turns out a confrontation between Team Sky's principal rider and Vincenzo Nibali on the Astana bus on Thursday, one that ended with Froome receiving an apology from the Sicilian for wrongly accusing him of causing the crash in Le Havre, was rather more heated than first suggested.
Flanagan clinches WBO lightweight title by TKO after Zepeda suffers injury
Terry Flanagan was crowned WBO lightweight champion on Saturday night after Jose Zepeda succumbed to a shoulder injury during their fight at Manchester's Velodrome.
RACECARDS, RESULTS AND BETTING SERVICE
THE BEST WRITING IN SPORT
Why Raheem should man up and hand in a transfer request to Rodgers... not a sicknote
CRAIG HOPE: If Raheem Sterling (mocked up in our image, above) wants to leave Liverpool and sign for Manchester City, it is a transfer request rather than a sick note he should be penning. For the danger now is that his reputation is stained beyond cleansing. On Wednesday - in the wake of his no-show at Liverpool's training ground - Sportsmail reflected on those footballers who have sulked to force through a move.
MARTIN SAMUEL: Lionesses must improve technique, or world will pass by
MARTIN SAMUEL: Make no mistake, the women had a great tournament. They are in the top eight in the world and finished top three, becoming the best of the European entrants.
FOOTBALL FIXTURES FOR 2015-16 SEASON
Rodgers' hellish start, United v Spurs pick of openers and Chelsea kick off title defence at Bridge... Premier League fixtures revealed
- CLUB-BY-CLUB GUIDE: Find out your team's fixtures for the new Premier Leagueseason
- ANALYSIS: Liverpool face fight to avoid early tumble in bid to chase top-four spot
- Q&A;: How are the fixtures picked? And why they REALLY aren't fixed...
Chelsea will kick off their Premier League title defence against Swansea City but it will be Brendan Rodgers who has most to fear on the opening day of the 2015-16 season with Liverpool facing a nightmare return to Stoke City.
CLUB-BY-CLUB GUIDE TO PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES
- ARSENAL - Hammers first up at home
- ASTON VILLA - visit to new boys
- BOURNEMOUTH - Old Trafford to finish
- CHELSEA - defence starts with Swansea
- C PALACE - Norwich away to kick off
- EVERTON - Hornets invasion to start
- LEICESTER - Sunderland first up
- LIVERPOOL - haunting start for Rodgers
- MAN CITY - Baggies away to start
- MAN UNITED - tough opener for Van Gaal
- NEWCASTLE - Saints march up for McClaren
- NORWICH - Neil handed good start
- SOUTHAMPTON - huge trip for opener
- STOKE - Liverpool back after 6-1
- SUNDERLAND - Advocaat's nice start
- SWANSEA - horror start at Bridge
- TOTTENHAM - United loom first
- WATFORD - Mersey trip to kick off
- WEST BROM - City boys in town
- WEST HAM - final season at Upton Park