The Sport Matrix: Friday 27 February 2015

‘Sluggish’ Murray loses to teenager

Andy Murray was knocked out of the Dubai Championships yesterday, losing to 18-year-old Borna Coric 6-1, 6-3 in the quarter-finals.

Murray, who reached the Australian Open final earlier this month, had 55 unforced errors and only 15 winners against the Croat. Many of his shots were landing in the net or sailing beyond the lines. “I was a little bit sluggish,” admitted Murray.

England stroll to victory over NZ

England’s women cruised to a nine-wicket win over New Zealand yesterday to level their ODI series at 2-2. Captain Charlotte Edwards (64no) and Sarah Taylor (89no) put on a 158-run stand to reach the target with 17.5 overs to spare. Kate Cross took 5 for 24 earlier as the hosts were bowled out for 168.

Fury’s ‘gamble’ on Hammer fight

Tyson Fury admits his decision to take on Christian Hammer this weekend was a necessary gamble to stay in shape for a potential bout with Wladimir Klitschko. “It’s a risky decision but I need fights to keep busy; Hammer was available and he took the fight,” said Fury.

Jorda becomes second female test driver after joining Lotus

Carmen Jorda will become Formula One’s second female development driver when she gets behind the wheel for Lotus this season.

The Spaniard, 26, appeared in the GP3 junior series last year with little success, failing to finish in the top 10. Lotus said she would attend grands prix and tests throughout 2015, as well as using the team’s simulator. Pastor Maldonado and Romain Grosjean are the regular race drivers.

Formula One has not had a female race driver since Italian Giovanna Amati failed to qualify with Brabham in 1992, although Britain’s Susie Wolff is a test driver for Williams.

Gutierrez back after cancer fight

Jonas Gutierrez could make an emotional return for Newcastle this weekend after winning his battle against testicular cancer. The 31-year-old Argentine, who last played for the club at Cardiff on 2 October, 2013, is in the squad for tomorrow’s Premier League match at home to Aston Villa.