The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 10 July 2012

Wiggins' virtuoso display creates devastating lead

Team Sky delivered their second heavy blow in three days yesterday as Bradley Wiggins stretched his lead with his first ever Tour stage win while Chris Froome, a deeply impressive second yesterday behind his team-mate, moved on to the provisional overall podium in third. Thanks to Wiggins' faultless time-trial performance, the Londoner has increased his lead from a narrow 10-second gap over his closest pursuer, last year's Tour winner Cadel Evans, to nearly two minutes on his arch-rival, putting the 32-year-old in a position where the lead is now his to defend: all the way, perhaps, from here in Besançon to Paris. "Time-trialling is my forte, but this is something very special," Wiggins said. "I felt great from the first pedal stroke and I knew I was in for a good one." pages MORE

Football in dock as Terry trial starts

Anton Ferdinand, the Queen's Park Rangers defender, yesterday gave evidence in the case against the Chelsea defender, John Terry, who has been charged with a racially-aggravated offence – an allegation he denies. The trial is set to last five days. MORE

Mancini signs lucrative new deal

Manchester City secured Roberto Mancini as the man to take them on their quest for European domination by yesterday making him, comfortably, the highest-paid manager in the Premier League with a new five-year deal worth £37.5m. MORE

Richards cannot wait for Games

The Manchester City defender, Micah Richards, one of the three overage players in the Team GB squad, said he had no regrets on missing England's Euro 2012 campaign and cannot wait for the Games. "It is always an honour to represent your country," he said. MORE

Carroll may be sent out on loan

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers was non-committal yesterday on the future of Andy Carroll, suggesting he may allow the him out on loan. "Sometimes a player going out on loan – in general, not just Andy – can benefit the club in the long term," he said. MORE

In-form Bopara gets Gooch backing

Graham Gooch, England's batting coach, insisted yesterday that he did not know the selectors' plans for the Test series against South Africa which starts on 19 July but gave the Essex batsman Ravi Bopara a glowing testimonial. MORE

Henson signs for London Welsh

Premiership newcomers London Welsh have confirmed the signing of Wales centre Gavin Henson. Henson, 30, has been without a club since April after being sacked by Cardiff Blues over his drunken behaviour on a flight. MORE

Greene appointed athletics captain

The Welsh 400 metres hurdler Dai Greene was yesterday appointed Team GB's athletics captain. "To be given the honour at a home Olympic Games is just incredible," the reigning world, European and Commonwealth champion said. MORE

Home advantage helps, says Lewis

The American Carl Lewis, one of the greats of the Games who ran in two Olympics in the US, claims it is "easier" to compete at a home Olympics. "People say that there is more pressure but I think it's the opposite," he said. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Andy Murray carried himself well throughout his defeat to Roger Federer, and if anyone doubted that he had pushed himself to his limits, his tears provided an ample rebuff. MORE