The Sport Matrix: Monday 03 November 2014

Marathon effort for Wozniacki

Caroline Wozniacki defied almost every rule of long-distance training but still managed to finish the New York Marathon in three hours, 26 minutes and 33 seconds, in windy, chilly conditions.

The world No 9, who played her final WTA tour event of the year only two weeks ago, had revealed that her longest training run was 13 miles – under half the marathon distance. After finishing she said she was craving “a vanilla milkshake”.

She is the first active professional tennis player to have attempted the distance and had her finisher’s medal given to her by world No 1 Serena Williams.

Hamilton earns fifth straight win

Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton earned his fifth consecutive race win yesterday, clinching the US Grand Prix in a one-two with team-mate Nico Rosberg. The crucial moment came when Hamilton managed to overtake race leader Rosberg at turn 12, and the Briton went on to secure his 10th victory of the season. The result means he leads Rosberg by 24 points in the championship, with just two races left.

England aim for Kiwi ‘vengeance’

England’s narrow defeat by Australia means they will have to beat New Zealand – to whom they lost in the World Cup semi-final last year – by 10 points or more next weekend to have any hope of reaching the Four Nations final. Ryan Hall said: “There is a bit of vengeance there.”

Chelsea fans hit back at Mourinho

Jose Mourinho was criticised by his own supporters yesterday for questioning their passion and commitment to the cause in the wake of Chelsea’s 2-1 win over QPR on Saturday. Tim Rolls, the chairman of the Chelsea Supporters’ Trust, responded yesterday, saying: “I think the manager’s criticisms were slightly ill-advised because the fans pay good money to watch highly paid footballers.”

Itoje shows class as Sarries beat Quins

Saracens beat Harlequins 25-20 in the LV=Cup, with Maro Itoje, who captained Sarries at just 20, showing he may be an England prospect. “I think you’ve just seen yourself that he is a fantastic talent,” Sarries’ skills coach, Joe Shaw, said of the flanker. “I also think his contribution shows where we are as a club. It doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or you’re 35: if you have something of value to say, people will listen.”