The Sports Matrix: Thursday 9 June 2011

Murray drops set in Queen’s opener

Andy Murray started his grass-court season with a three-set win over Belgium’s Xavier Malisse at Queen’s yesterday. After a rain delay of more than an hour, the Scot beat Malisse 6-3, 5-7, 6-3. In the next round he will play 14th seed Janko Tipsarevic. MORE

Watson advances in Birmingham

British No 2 Heather Watson marched into the third round of the Aegon Classic in Birmingham last night. Watson, a wild card entry at Wimbledon later this month, was too strong for Japan’s world No 133 Misaki Doi and triumphed 6-2, 6-4.

Wiggins takes lead after time trial

Bradley Wiggins captured the lead in the Criterium du Dauphine yesterday thanks to an outstanding time trial. He finished just 11 seconds behind Tony Martin on a technical rain-soaked course in Grenoble to move in front. MORE

Poland seeks to end fan violence

Polish authorities have apologised for the fan violence that has plagued the Euro 2012 co-hosts. “I am shocked by our hooligan fans,” said Polish football head Grzegorz Lato. “We will be implementing an ambitious plan aimed at wiping out hooliganism.” MORE

Henderson under spotlight after test

Trainer Nicky Henderson will face a British Horseracing Authority hearing after his horse Heather Royal tested positive for a banned substance. Traces of Dexamethasone, an anti-inflammatory drug were found. He could be fined up to £10,000. MORE

Top-flight wages rocket to new high

Premier League annual revenues have broken past £2bn, as wage bills have reached £1.4bn, according to Deloitte. The proportion of revenues spent on wages is now a record 68 per cent, making clubs’ Financial Fair Play compliance next year difficult. MORE

Prior reprimanded but escapes fine

Matt Prior has been told he “should be more careful in future” after being reprimanded by the International Cricket Council over Tuesday’s incident at Lord’s in which he smashed a window. It is a Level One ICC charge, and he will not be fined.

Benitez out of Villa Park contention

Aston Villa were no closer to appointing a new manager last night as Steve McClaren was told he had been unsuccessful, and Rafael Benitez’s spending plans did not meet those of the club. Roberto Martinez wants to stay at Wigan for another year. MORE

Hussey helps Notts to T20 triumph

Rapid half-centuries by Riki Wessels and David Hussey helped Nottinghamshire maintain their 100 per cent start to their Friends Life t20 campaign in a 28-run victory over Warwickshire at Edgbaston. The hosts were set 194 to win but fell well short.

Opinon: Stephen Brenkley

Andrew Strauss wants his side to be the best England team of all time. This is a significant aspiration, but at Lord’s England lacked ruthlessness and their declaration betrayed a lack of genuine belief in their abilities. MORE

Ferguson starts rebuild with Jones

Sir Alex Ferguson’s overhaul of the Manchester United squad started yesterday with the signing of Blackburn Rovers’ Phil Jones. The 19-year-old, who has played in central defence and midfield at Ewood Park, was secured in a £17m deal from under the nose of Arsenal. With Jones on his way to Old Trafford, three players are set to leave. Ferguson accepted a £12m bid last night from Sunderland for Darron Gibson, Wes Brown and John O’Shea. Of those, Brown and Gibson are ready to head to the Stadium of Light although O’Shea, a firmer part of the United side than the others, is less enthusiastic. Arsène Wenger had tried to sign Jones, and made contact on Monday evening, although Jones decided to join United instead, mirroring the circumstances under which Chris Smalling chose United over Arsenal from Fulham last year. Jones was impressed by Ferguson’s suggestion that he can be “the next Rio Ferdinand”, and will earn £50,000 per week over the next five years. United are still hoping to do a deal for Ashley Young, which may happen this week. MORE

Liverpool agree Henderson deal

Liverpool will sign Jordan Henderson from Sunderland after a deal worth £20m was agreed. David N’Gog will move in the opposite direction as part of the arrangement. Henderson, 20, made his full England debut last November. MORE

McClennan: Exiles must stop Tomkins

Exiles coach Brian McClennan has identified Sam Tomkins as the England player they must stop in the inaugural International Origin match at Odsal tomorrow. “He’s one of the real world-class players,” he said. “Playing full-back lets him roam around.” MORE