The Sport Matrix: Friday 7 June 2013

Bolt unfazed after shock defeat to Gatlin in Rome

Usain Bolt suffered a shock defeat to Justin Gatlin in the 100m at Rome’s Golden Gala meeting last night. Gatlin prevailed in 9.94 seconds, 0.01 sec ahead of the double Olympic champion.

Bolt, below, was unfazed afterwards and blamed the loss on not being able to sustain his speed throughout the race.

“I got the perfect start but stumbled after five metres. It’s just one of those things. I guess I need to be stronger at the end of the race,” said the Jamaican.

He added: “My legs did not feel the energy. For me it is just going through the season, putting things together for the world championships. It is still very early in the season.” MORE

Warburton returns determined to make an impact

British and Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton is ready to make an impact in his first game on tour against the Queensland Reds tomorrow after recovering from a knee injury.

The flanker, left, must reinforce his captaincy credentials after missing the wins over the Barbarians in Hong Kong and Western Force in Perth.

“I have to fight as hard for my place as anyone, definitely,” he said. “It’s not in my nature to be complacent. I think I’m a good competitor who always strives to be better, so I would never relax, thinking that a Test place is assured.” MORE

Wade and Kvesic set for first caps

Wasps wing Christian Wade and Gloucester-bound flanker Matt Kvesic will make their England debuts against Argentina in tomorrow’s first Test in Salta. Uncapped players Kyle Eastmond, Henry Thomas and Billy Vunipola are on the bench.

Froome flies into Dauphiné lead

Chris Froome’s superb form ahead of the Tour de France continued yesterday as victory in the fifth stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné gave the 28-year-old the overall lead with three stages remaining. MORE

Opinion: Lewis Moody

Midweek teams are sent out to give the tourists a good battering, but the Lions must keep their discipline on tour. I remember Tim Rodber, left, being provoked into a fight with his opposite number. MORE

Pearce blames loss on missing players

England’s Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce blamed his side’s defeat to Italy on the absence of key players. Pearce suggested yesterday: “You take 17 players out of the Italian squad and let’s see the result.” MORE

Gazidis: Arsenal can buy the best

Arsenal chief executive Ivan Gazidis said the club can compete to sign the world’s best players. Asked if the club could afford to pay £25m and £200,000-a-week wages to one player, he said: “We could do more than that.” MORE

Fernandinho secures City move

Manchester City continued their rebuilding with the £30m signing of Fernandinho from Shakhtar Donetsk. The transfer was only confirmed after the Brazilian, 28, agreed to waive £4m worth of bonus payments. MORE