The Sports Matrix: Wednesday 13 July 2011

City ready to reject Corinthians’ bid

Manchester City were last night set to reject Corinthians’ €40m (£35.3m) bid for Carlos Tevez. The vice-director of football of the Brazilian club, Duilio Alves, said that City’s asking price for Tevez was “an absurd figure”, and suggested a loan deal. MORE

Broad takes five as Hales hits hundred

Stuart Broad took the 13th five wicket haul of his career yesterday, but he was overshadowed by Nottinghamshire team-mate Alex Hales. The 22-year-old batsman reached 130 not out. Broad’s England rival Tim Bresnan scored 41 for Yorkshire. MORE

Pakistanis making impact in T20

This year’s T20 competition has been improved by the presence of many Pakistani players, forbidden from playing in the IPL. Established stars such as Shahid Afridi have flourished alongside young talent like Junaid Khan. MORE

Inter say Sneijder still ‘not for sale’

Internazionale director Marco Branca insists that Manchester United target Wesley Sneijder is “not for sale”. “There is nothing to update,” Branca said last night. “We have received no formal offer, nor dowe intend to wait for one. Sneijder is not for sale.” MORE

Strauss confident against left-armers

Andrew Strauss believes he can overcome his problems against left-armers when facing India, who have Zaheer Khan: “I’ve looked at it but I don’t think there is anything massively wrong. You’re just choosing which balls to play and which to leave.” MORE

Cavendish edged out by rival Greipel

Mark Cavendish was beaten yesterday by just a wheel-length by André Greipel. It was the German’s maiden stage win in his first Tour. “I didn’t hesitate but I didn’t commit early enough,” said Cavendish. “Greipel just came past and beat me.” MORE

Spurs urged to end stadium battle

Hugh Robertson, the Sports minister, has warned that Tottenham’s legal challenge over the Olympic Stadium could damage the bid to host the 2017 athletics World Championships. Robertson has asked Spurs to consider the “greater good”. MORE

Lewis to play with namesake Watson

The 20-year-old Tom Lewis tees off with Tom Watson tomorrow, the man after whom he is named. “He was always my father’s favourite golfer,” explained Lewis, who hopes to surpass the six majors won by Nick Faldo, who shares his home club. MORE

Team GB to be best funded ever

Britain’s Olympic team will be the best funded ever. The £13m budget will pay for the largest British delegation – 550 athletes, 450 support staff and 300 volunteers – at an Olympic Games in more than a century. The team will be held to five commandments. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Tom Watson, winner of eight majors, yesterday said that he saw more than mere striking virtuosity from Rory McIlroy at Congressional. He saw the ability to hold a position, and to operate under the most strenuous pressure. MORE

McIlroy: I have to forget US Open

Rory McIlroy, the US Open winner and top story at this week’s Open championship, knows that he must put his remarkable triumph at Congressional to the back of his mind. The young Northern Irishman has not played since his first major victory, resting rather than playing in the Scottish Open, a decision he believes has been vindicated. “I’m glad I didn’t play after looking at what happened in Scotland last week,” said McIlroy, referring to the storms which hit Castle Stuart. “If I played in France I knew I wouldn’t be giving myself the best chance to prepare properly. The last 10 days have been good. I’ve got back into my routine. I was here last week and got in two good practice rounds and feel my preparation has been really good. I have to forget what happened three weeks ago and just try to win another golf tournament.” Almost unprecedented levels of attention from both the public and the media is inevitable, but McIlroy does not mind. “I’m the sort of person that likes to have people watching,” he said. “I like to have a bit of a buzz around the group. I’ll definitely enjoy it.” MORE

Westwood wants to win in England

World No 2 Lee Westwood hopes to win his first major at the Open this week. “My form is right where I’d like it to be. It would mean everything to me,” said the Englishman. “It’s the biggest championship in the world as far as I’m concerned.” MORE

Parish wants to keep Ratchford

New Salford coach Matt Parish hopes to keep Stefan Ratchford at the club. “His indication to me was that he was going to stay,” said Parish. “I’d be very disappointed if he was to leave after that, but if he does, he does. It’s not the be-all and end-all.” MORE