The Sport Matrix: Friday 16 May 2014

Arteta: Jose wrong to criticise Wenger

Arsenal midfielder Mikel Arteta feels Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was wrong to call Arsène Wenger a “specialist in failure”. Arteta said: “I don’t like it. If you analyse everything [Wenger] has done for this club, if he is a failure... I have a different opinion.” MORE

Davies eager to win for the fans

Hull’s captain Curtis Davies hopes to pay back fans’ support by triumphing in tomorrow’s FA Cup final against Arsenal. The 29-year-old, who has even being wished luck by locals in the gym, said: “If we win it I hope the city will be celebrating for years to come.” MORE

Allam happy with his Hull strategy

Hull City owner Assem Allam says his project at the club is ahead of schedule but he will not overspend. “It’s not based on throwing money at it,” says the 74-year-old ahead of tomorrow’s FA Cup final. “I don’t believe in sorting out a problem by throwing money at it.” MORE

Rotherham reach play-off final

Rotherham will play Leyton Orient in the League One play-off final, after beating Preston 3-1 last night and 4-2 on aggregate. Preston went ahead but headers from Wes Thomas and Lee Frecklington put Rotherham 2-1 up, before Kieran Agard struck to ensure the victory. MORE

Lee fails in bid to appeal 12-year ban

Stephen Lee is facing up to the fact he may never play professional snooker again after failing in his appeal to overturn a 12-year ban for match-fixing. Lee, the former world No 5, will not be eligible to return to the game until he is 50.

Cipriani handed England chance

England head coach Stuart Lancaster has included Sale’s Danny Cipriani in his training squad for next month’s tour to New Zealand, with the fly-half returning to the set-up for the first time in six years. Lancaster has named 10 uncapped players. MORE

World Cup hit by ticket hiccups

Rugby World Cup 2015 organisers confirmed they have been forced to postpone ticket sales after its partner, Ticketmaster, asked for more time to test the ticket system. It collapsed this week over demand for Commonwealth Games tickets.

Murray excited for rare Nadal reunion

Andy Murray sees today’s Rome Masters quarter-final with Rafael Nadal as practice for the French Open and Wimbledon. He said: “It’s not a bad thing for me to play against Nadal because I haven’t played him for about three years.” MORE

Return of the King

Don King, the great boxing promoter, is back, helping the new WBC world heavyweight champion Bermane Stiverne. Steve Bunce looks at the extraordinary career of King, now 82 years old. MORE