The Sport Matrix: Friday 11 April 2014

Scott hits 69 on opening round

Defending Masters champion Adam Scott hit 69 to leave him one behind clubhouse leader Bill Haas at Augusta. Rory McIlroy did well off the tee but was not at his best on the greens, taking three putts at eight, 12 and the last for a 71 on a course that demands patience. MORE

Wenger dreams of ‘winnable’ FA Cup

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger spoke glowingly of the FA Cup being one of the most open competitions in world sport, ahead of tomorrow’s semi-final against Wigan. He said: “If you are in the FA Cup everyone can dream of winning it at the start of the season.” MORE

Chelsea may face Courtois dilemna

Chelsea are facing a row with Atletico Madrid about whether to let on-loan Thibaut Courtois play against them if drawn together in the Champions League semi-finals. A clause in the goalkeeper’s contract prevents him playing against Chelsea unless Atletico pay a huge fee. MORE

Fletcher fires warning to squad

Darren Fletcher says Manchester United’s final five games provide the chance for the players to prove they are capable of surviving a summer overhaul. “You have to go and impress the manager and show him that you are capable of being here next year,” Fletcher said. MORE

New cup finally given green light

The new European Rugby Champions Cup has been given the go-ahead, replacing the Heineken Cup. It involves 20 sides, six from the Premiership, six from the French Top 14 and seven from the Pro12, the final spot decided by play-off. MORE

Powell rages at his ‘unjust’ drugs ban

Asafa Powell has described his 18-month doping ban as “unjust” and intends to appeal. He has been suspended by the Jamaican Anti-Doping Commission after testing positive for the stimulant oxilofrine at last summer’s national championships.

Rodgers: Peters is happy at Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers hopes Dr Steve Peters keeps working with his Liverpool players, despite interest from other clubs. “He is very, very happy here, so it’s a very important component in our team, in order to help us win,” Rodgers said. MORE

Sevilla beat Porto and Juventus win

Sevilla progressed to the Europa League semi-finals after thrashing Porto 4-1 on the night and 4-2 on aggregate. Juventus eased past Lyon, winning 2-1 on the night and 3-1 on aggregate, with Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio scoring for Juventus.

KP: I may still play Tests for England

Kevin Pietersen, has expressed his regret over the fallout with former captain Andrew Strauss and hinted that he hopes to return to the team. He said: “Maybe I’ll still get to 10,000 [Test runs]”. MORE

Shane Sutton

British Cycling coach tells Robin Scott-Elliot that he needs to redefine his role – and wonders whether Sir Bradley Wiggins will support Chris Froome in the Tour de France. MORE