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The Sport Matrix: Thursday 22 May 2014

 

Wednesday 21 May 2014 23:33 BST
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Hibernian keep one foot in top-flight

Jason Cummings scored twice to give Hibernians a 2-0 win at Hamilton in the first leg of their Scottish Premiership play-off last night. The teenager volleyed in from outside the area before adding a second to put Hibs in the driving seat ahead of Sunday’s Easter Road return. MORE

Ronaldo: Fans can help swing final

Cristiano Ronaldo believes the crowd could play a major role in the Champions League final. “I hope Portuguese supporters will be backing Real Madrid,” he said. “I hope they become Madrid fans for myself and Fabio Coentrao and Pepe. Supporters win games - I hope they are behind us.” MORE

Not everyone will agree, says Hodgson

England manager Roy Hodgson has defended Chris Smalling and Phil Jones following criticism by pundit Roy Keane. “Everyone has an opinion,” Hodgson said. “If you are a pundit you are required to give your opinion; I don’t expect everyone’s opinions to fall in with mine.” MORE

Fresh delay over World Cup stadium

Fears over the readiness of the Sao Paulo stadium for the opening match of the World Cup remain after Fifa delayed the final test event. A domestic match will be held on 1 June to test facilities and transport arrangements ahead of Brazil’s opener against Croatia 11 days later. MORE

McIlroy left to pick up pieces again

Rory McIlroy’s troubled year took another lurch after he announced his split with Caroline Wozniacki. “It is a difficult time,” he said ahead of the PGA Championship. “We both thought it was the best. I’m not going to lie. It’s going to be very difficult.” MORE

Kerrigan ready to forget dire debut

Simon Kerrigan feels he is a better player for his troubled England debut last year. “For weeks, I was devastated,” he said. “You process it a bit, your mind gets to a more level state, you get over the devastated feeling and learn lessons.” MORE

Cipriani moves up the pecking order

Danny Cipriani’s chances of playing in England’s opening Test in New Zealand increased yesterday after George Ford was ruled out of the tour. The fly-half requires surgery on a damaged shoulder, leaving Cipriani in pole position for Auckland. MORE

Ennis-Hill may opt for hurdles switch

Jessica Ennis-Hill may turn to hurdles at the 2016 Olympics in Rio as she plans for her return following pregnancy. “It would be fantastic to go to Rio in the heptathlon,” the 28-year-old said. “But the hurdles is still an option.” MORE

Steve Bunce

Carl Froch appears calmer than before the first fight and posted pictures of an idyllic family day. “I expect that,” George Groves said. “It’s all rehearsed. It’s all a show.” MORE

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