http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/great-sporting-moments-dennis-taylor-defeats-steve-davis-1817-at-the-crucible-1741225.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/great-sporting-moments-dennis-taylor-defeats-steve-davis-1817-at-the-crucible-1741225.html ]]> <p> If you are over the age of 30, there is a good chance that you watched at least part of the snooker World Championship final on the BBC over the weekend of 27-28 April 1985. The climax, as the endgame between Dennis Taylor and Steve Davis stretched, in excruciating fashion, from Sunday night into the first hour of Monday, was watched live on BBC2 by 18.5 million people in the UK it was a record for the channel and remains so. It was the largest post-midnight audience for any programme on any channel, and remains so. Snooker as a mass-market sport reached its peak that night, in one match, in one frame, with one ball In the end, famously, it was all about the black. But it was also about an Ulsterman in oversized glasses potting the only ball that mattered, at the fourth time of asking, to the delight of a gripped nation Snooker's pre-eminence as a TV sport in that era came through a coalescence of cultural and social trends. Football, the national sport, was heading to its lowest ebb, ravaged by hooliganism, blighted by dreadful facilities, and unattractive to families tired of being herded into cages. Within a month of the 1985 snooker final, the Bradford City stadium fire would have claimed 56 lives and the Heysel tragedy 39 more Snooker was a cheap and easy way to fill hours of airtime with feel-good figures. It had surged in popularity thanks to maverick tabloid mainstays such as Alex &quot;Hurricane&quot; Higgins and Jimmy &quot;The Whirlwind&quot; White. When they weren't playing, they were drinking, shagging, gambling - or frittering their time away. </p> Others Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:01:47 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/great-sporting-moments-snooker-1739578.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/great-sporting-moments-snooker-1739578.html ]]> <p> Sometimes, sport is more than just sport. Sometimes, the greatest champions reach a zone of near-perfection that approaches the divine. </p> Others Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:01:29 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/inside-lines-sport-may-dance-to-new-tune-but-it-still-takes-two-to-quango-1742616.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/inside-lines-sport-may-dance-to-new-tune-but-it-still-takes-two-to-quango-1742616.html <p>There are worried frowns among employees of UK Sport and Sport England after a pledge by David Cameron that the Tories would scrap or slim down Britain's proliferation of quangos if they win the next election. However, the two Government-backed sports bodies seem safe – relatively speaking. Shadow sports minister Hugh Robertson says it makes "little sense" to undertake any major restructuring in advance of London 2012 which might disrupt athlete preparation. But this does not mean there would not be changes under a Conservative government which would take a serious look at administrative costs and, particularly in the case of Sport England, the employment of consultants and expenditure on surveys which runs into millions. "We would want to ensure the maximum amount of money heads towards the front line," says Robertson. It is also likely the two bodies would be brought together under one roof, while retaining their separate identities, both as an economy measure and "to deliver a fully joined-up sports structure". So it will still take two to quango.</p> Others Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france-armstrongs-statement-of-intent-shows-gloves-are-off-1742630.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france-armstrongs-statement-of-intent-shows-gloves-are-off-1742630.html ]]> <p>The Tour's second successive stage in the Pyrenees yesterday saw Luis Leon Sanchez claim Spain's first victory of the race in Saint Gaudens – a fine calculated, classy win against three breakaways.</p> Others Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/sport-on-tv-no-rare-bit-of-success-in-wales-as-piethrowers-are-butchered-1742634.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/sport-on-tv-no-rare-bit-of-success-in-wales-as-piethrowers-are-butchered-1742634.html <p>What with Katherine Jenkins' warbling, David Lloyd's twittering and the Aussies' chirruping, all the Ashes needs now is Dickie Bird. Before the First Test (Sky Sports 1), the Welsh singer had set the tone for a long, hard summer of suffering by belting out the anthems of every country in the world except Spain, whose anthem has no words. But you have to wonder how long "Bumble" can keep it up: "18 minutes ago: Australia 610 for 5. I've stolen one of Sir Ian's pork pies." "Nine minutes ago: Australia 730 for 5. Sir Ian has discovered one of his pies is missing." "Three minutes ago: Australia 1,236 for 5. Sir Ian has me pinned to the sightscreen. He reckons I'm telling pork pies about his pork pies."</p> TV & Radio Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/outside-edge-1742632.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/outside-edge-1742632.html <p>Rugby League is struggling for role models. Super League referee Steve Ganson was arrested following an altercation at a taxi rank in St Helens. And Sydney Roosters' forward Nate Myles was banned for six games, including the State of Origin showpiece, after being found wandering around naked in a hotel after a function for junior players. Oh, and he defecated in the corridor. They must clean up their act, and where better to look for a shining example than the Premier League? Hull's Geovanni has become a preacher for the Brazilian New Hope Fellowship Church in Hulme, Manchester, and his compatriots Fabio Aurelio and Elano worship there too. No sign of Joey Barton yet, though.</p> Others Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-california-dreamin-as-khan-seeks-stardom-in-the-city-of-angels-1742617.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-california-dreamin-as-khan-seeks-stardom-in-the-city-of-angels-1742617.html ]]> <p>It is just after midday in Manchester and a crowd of around 500 have gathered in the bowels of the Triangle Shopping Centre to watch a young man from Bolton skip, scuffle and sweat in a tiny ring pitched between a burger bar and a coffee shop. It is all a long way from Los Angeles, where Amir Khan has become a star pupil alongside the maestro Manny Pacquiao and other ring luminaries in the spit-and- sawdust classroom of the man known in boxing as "The Professor".</p> Others Sun, 12 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-armstrong-left-trailing-by-contador-1741784.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-armstrong-left-trailing-by-contador-1741784.html ]]> <p>All it took was one searing late attack on the race's first mountain-top finish in Andorra, and Spain's Alberto Contador has finally demonstrated why he is the favourite in this year's Tour de France.</p> Others Sat, 11 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/guy-adams-ufc--a-sports-phenomenon-rooted-in-reality-tv-1740768.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/guy-adams-ufc--a-sports-phenomenon-rooted-in-reality-tv-1740768.html <p> I&rsquo;ve been fortunate enough to swap LA for Las Vegas for the remainder of this week, where I&rsquo;ll be covering Saturday&rsquo;s historic 100th UFC event, in all its glorious detail, for the Independent's sports pages and website. </p> Others Fri, 10 Jul 2009 12:15:20 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france--full-details-in-a-page-1740629.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france--full-details-in-a-page-1740629.html Others Fri, 10 Jul 2009 11:11:08 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/guy-adams-on-ufc-100-how-britains-michael-bisping-can-win-1740348.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/guy-adams-on-ufc-100-how-britains-michael-bisping-can-win-1740348.html Others Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:19:32 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/combat-sport-bisping-carries-british-hopes-1740347.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/combat-sport-bisping-carries-british-hopes-1740347.html ]]> <p> Michael Bisping carries the hopes of British mixed martial arts on his improbably-broad shoulders tomorrow, when he takes on legendary American Dan Henderson at UFC 100, the biggest event in the emerging combat sport's ten-year history. </p> Others Fri, 10 Jul 2009 08:17:58 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/the-ten-best-sporting-meltdowns-1739267.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/motor-racing/the-ten-best-sporting-meltdowns-1739267.html ]]> <p> This year's Formula One World Championship has been described as Jenson Button's to lose. </p> Motor Racing Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:01:59 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france-millars-brave-bid-is-thwarted-on-final-climb-1739950.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france-millars-brave-bid-is-thwarted-on-final-climb-1739950.html ]]> <p>Britain's David Millar came within a whisker of claiming his first Tour stage win in six years yesterday after the Garmin-Slipstream rider made a courageous day-long break which only collapsed within sight of the finish.</p> Others Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/chris-boardman-i-just-didnt-have-enough-testosterone-for-the-tour-1739951.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/chris-boardman-i-just-didnt-have-enough-testosterone-for-the-tour-1739951.html ]]> <p>At 40, Chris Boardman is perhaps not old enough, or grey enough, to be described as the eminence grise of British cycling, and yet the man who won an individual pursuit gold medal at the 1992 Olympics, who broke the world hour record three times, and who also wore the yellow jersey in the Tour de France three times, looms large over this unprecedented era of success. And with Mark Cavendish and Bradley Wiggins going great guns in the current Tour and an astonishing medal haul in last year's Olympics, unprecedented it plainly is.</p> Others Fri, 10 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france-cavendish-stays-in-green-despite-voecklers-win-1737769.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france-cavendish-stays-in-green-despite-voecklers-win-1737769.html ]]> <p>Mark Cavendish's hopes of notching up a third stage win out of a possible four in the Tour de France were dashed yesterday after breakaway specialist Thomas Voeckler fended off the bunch for a courageous lone ride to victory.</p> Others Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/federico-bahamontes-the-fiery-eagle-who-flew-up-the-mountains-1737770.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/federico-bahamontes-the-fiery-eagle-who-flew-up-the-mountains-1737770.html ]]> <p> &quot;Attack, attack and attack again.&quot; They could be the words of Tour de France favourite Alberto Contador describing his approach to this year's race as it enters his native Spain today. Instead they sum up the strategy of Federico Martin Bahamontes, nicknamed &quot;the Eagle of Toledo&quot;, who 50 years ago became the first Spaniard to win the gruelling event and whose historic achievement will overshadow proceedings over the next two days as the peloton snakes to Barcelona and through the Pyrenees south of the French border. </p> Others Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france-armstrong-makes-push-for-yellow-1736039.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france-armstrong-makes-push-for-yellow-1736039.html ]]> <p>It was stealthy for the first few stages, but in yesterday's team time-trial Lance Armstrong's return to power in the Tour became a full-scale charge that only stopped a few hundredths of a second short of the American taking the leader's jersey for the 84th time in his career.</p> Others Wed, 08 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/great-sporting-moments-1733747.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/great-sporting-moments-1733747.html ]]> <p> Sometimes, sport is more than just sport. Sometimes, the greatest champions reach a zone of near-perfection that approaches the divine. </p> Others Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:01:48 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-cavendish-coasts-to-second-win-in-a-row-1734454.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-cavendish-coasts-to-second-win-in-a-row-1734454.html ]]> <p>While Mark Cavendish confirmed all the predictions yesterday and snapped up his second straight Tour stage win with his usual unmatchable final burst of speed, what was more surprising was the size of the bunch that crossed the line behind him – just 25-strong and containing Lance Armstrong, but not his team-mate and overall favourite Alberto Contador.</p> Others Tue, 07 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-cavendish-wins-another-stage-1734170.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-cavendish-wins-another-stage-1734170.html ]]> <p> Mark Cavendish claimed his second consecutive Tour de France stage win today, producing another perfect sprint finish to keep hold of the green jersey. </p> Others Mon, 06 Jul 2009 18:03:54 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/american-football-mcnair-was-murdered-say-police-1734008.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/american-football-mcnair-was-murdered-say-police-1734008.html ]]> <p> Former American football player Steve McNair's shooting death was a homicide, police said yesterday, but authorities stopped short of saying it was a murder-suicide committed by the 20-year-old girlfriend found dead by his side. </p> Others Mon, 06 Jul 2009 16:41:35 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-cavendish-finds-his-first-green-jersey-a-perfect-fit-1732796.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-cavendish-finds-his-first-green-jersey-a-perfect-fit-1732796.html ]]> <p>Mark Cavendish's 2009 Tour de France could hardly have got off to a better start after the Manxman roared to the fifth Tour stage victory of his career and his first ever green points jersey here in Brignoles.</p> Others Mon, 06 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/rowing--mah-drysdale-wins-diamond-sculls-1732607.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/rowing--mah-drysdale-wins-diamond-sculls-1732607.html <p> Mahé Drysdale won the Diamond Sculls for the second time today. </p> Others Sun, 05 Jul 2009 16:47:32 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/toby-young-no-victories-please-ndash-were-british-1727730.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/toby-young-no-victories-please-ndash-were-british-1727730.html <p>One of the few compensations of growing old is that you are less likely to be disappointed by Britain's sporting defeats. Indeed, it is possible to come up with a new version of Shakespeare's seven ages of man to reflect this fact.</p> Others Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-sport-on-the-ropes-as-sky-plays-monopoly-1732064.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-sport-on-the-ropes-as-sky-plays-monopoly-1732064.html <p>The former boxing promoter Mickey Duff, now 80, tells how many years ago, as a young small-hall hustler, he gave regular work to a journeyman fighter named Yolande Pompey, who suddenly got lucky and knocked out the over-the-hill former world middleweight champion Randolph Turpin. When Duff then offered him top billing on his next show, Pompey's manager, Jack Burns, told him: "Sorry Mickey, we're out of your league now."</p> Others Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france-armstrong-all-over-the-place-on-his-return-1732066.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/tour-de-france-armstrong-all-over-the-place-on-his-return-1732066.html ]]> <p>Lance Armstrong's comeback in the Tour got off to a low-key but solid start yesterday when the American finished 10th in the opening 15.5 kilometre time trial here, won by the Swiss specialist Fabian Cancellara. </p> Others Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/outside-edge-1732073.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/outside-edge-1732073.html <p>There was bewilderment at the news that Diane Keaton had been rushed to hospital after hitting her head while doing a sumo wrestling scene for the film 'Morning Glory'. Then Outside Edge heard she was wearing a "fat suit" and everything seemed perfectly normal again. But sport is so bad for your health. The University of Cordoba in Spain has found that men who cycle more than 180 miles per week are damaging their fertility. Professor Diane Vaamonde suggests they freeze their sperm early doors. Then we hear that St Sidwell's Primary School, Exeter, has banned swimming goggles because of the risk of "serious injury" when children adjust them. The mind boggles.</p> Others Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/the-last-word-these-pointless-ambushes-are-taking-the-mic-1732077.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/the-last-word-these-pointless-ambushes-are-taking-the-mic-1732077.html <p>As Andy Roddick left Centre Court following his epic victory over Lleyton Hewitt late on Wednesday evening, Pat Cash was pointing out to BBC television viewers that what he needed now, before giving a thought to a semi-final against Andy Murray, was a good session of "stretching and icing". As a former Wimbledon champion, even from a less scientific age, Cash knows all about priorities in those circumstances.</p> Others Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-on-tv-cold-comforts-for-cracknell-as-bottom-falls-out-of-his-world-1732074.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-on-tv-cold-comforts-for-cracknell-as-bottom-falls-out-of-his-world-1732074.html <p>At last week's Henley Regatta, gentlemen in the Members' Enclosure were allowed to take off their jackets for the first time in 33 years, so intense was the heat. Double Olympic gold medallist James Cracknell may have allowed himself a wry smile. Six months ago he was trekking across Antarctica in the first race to the South Pole since Scott and Amundsen in 1911. It must have been tempting to tip the champagne bucket over his head as he mopped his brow with a sweaty slice of smoked salmon.</p> Others Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/inside-lines-joannas-brave-gurkhas-fire-a-volley-for-team-gb-2012-hopes-1732070.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/inside-lines-joannas-brave-gurkhas-fire-a-volley-for-team-gb-2012-hopes-1732070.html <p>The Kent International Sitting Volleyball Tournament is taking place in Canterbury this weekend. So what? Hardly ball-grabbing compared to Wimbledon, you may say, but the event could have a significant impact on London 2012. For among those taking part are a number of Gurkhas, some who have lost limbs fighting with British Forces in Afghanistan. Sitting volleyball is a Paralympic sport and, it transpires, one which, like the able-bodied version, is popular among the Gurkha community. There are hopes that several of them will be good enough to create history by representing Britain in the Paralympics. Coach Rob Wood, of MKA Partnership, one of the organisers, says: "Ghurkas show the same sort of military ethos on the sports field as they do on the battlefield. The way they train and commit themselves makes excellent athletes." These, of course, are the people the Government didn't want to stay here until Joanna Lumley shamed them in to a U-turn. Now they could be medal-winners for Team GB in 2012. </p> Others Sun, 05 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-armstrong-returns-to-a-civil-war-1731026.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-armstrong-returns-to-a-civil-war-1731026.html ]]> <p>Today in Monaco, Lance Armstrong commences his battle for an eighth Tour de France victory after a three-year absence. Now 37, it will nonetheless be a new exprience for him. In terms of rivals Armstrong's previous seven attempts were largely trouble-free, but this time his road to wearing yellow in Paris is far trickier, and not just because of his age. </p> Others Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-in-brief-04072009-1731030.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-in-brief-04072009-1731030.html <p> <b>Harrington's poor run continues</b> </p> <p> Padraig Harrington's nightmare run of missed cuts extended to five in Paris yesterday – just as many as Tiger Woods has failed to make in his entire 13-year professional career. </p> Others Sat, 04 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-mountain-man-martin-misses-tour-1729521.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-mountain-man-martin-misses-tour-1729521.html <p>A knee injury has forced the talented young Irish climber Dan Martin to miss his Tour de France debut. Martin, who rides for David Millar and Bradley Wiggins' Garmin-Slipstream team, had been expected to provide key mountain support for the team leader Christian Vande Velde. However, the 22-year-old has come down with tendinitis in his right knee and will now be forced to sit out on cycling's blue riband event, which starts tomorrow. </p> Others Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/flavia-goes-butt-jaked-1728813.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/flavia-goes-butt-jaked-1728813.html ]]> <p> Olympic swimmer Flavia Zoccari had to back-out of out a championship race at the Mediterranean Games yesterday, after her Jaked swimsuit split to reveal her behind. </p> Others Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:36:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-dutch-rider-to-miss-tour-after-epo-test-1727833.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-dutch-rider-to-miss-tour-after-epo-test-1727833.html ]]> <p>The Dutchman Thomas Dekker has been ruled out of the Tour de France, which begins on Saturday, after a positive test for the banned blood-booster EPO. He has been replaced in the Silence-Lotto team by Briton Charles Wegelius.</p> Others Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/british-cycling-aiming-for-a-million-extra-riders-on-the-road-1724234.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/british-cycling-aiming-for-a-million-extra-riders-on-the-road-1724234.html ]]> <p> British Cycling are poised to announce a series of sweeping grassroots measures today designed to get a million more bike riders on the UK's roads by 2013. </p> Others Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:01:57 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-cooke-gets-timing-right-to-triumph-on-home-soil-1722982.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-cooke-gets-timing-right-to-triumph-on-home-soil-1722982.html <p>Olympic and World Champion Nicole Cooke confirmed her status as overwhelming favourite in the British National Championships when she claimed her tenth road-race title in a three-way sprint at Abergavenny.</p> Others Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/lance-armstrong-mountain-to-climb-1722307.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/lance-armstrong-mountain-to-climb-1722307.html ]]> <p>Look at almost any online betting agency and you'll see 2007 Tour de France winner Alberto Contador is – when it comes to a flutter at least – the most likely rider to win next month's race.</p> Others Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/inside-lines-double-fault-as-notsojolly-roger-dodges-the-bullets-1722314.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/inside-lines-double-fault-as-notsojolly-roger-dodges-the-bullets-1722314.html <p>The normally ebullient Roger Draper, the high-profile boss of the Lawn Tennis Association, has been keeping an uncharacteristically low profile at Wimbledon. No doubt his head is below the parapet to dodge the bullets being fired in his direction as, Andy Murray apart, the event has quickly become a Brit-free zone. Flexing new-found muscles, sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe declares himself "tired of excuses" for the perennial parade of early drop-outs and warns of funding cuts if this stone-rich sport of under-achievers does not come up to scratch. Draper's allies argue that he has only been in the job two and a half years and that his efforts need time to produce results. But Draper, probably sport's highest-paid chief executive outside top-flight football, will know he needs to justify the huge investments the LTA receives from Wimbledon, sponsors and the Government by at least getting a few more players into the world's top 150 soon. Some &pound;27 million of funding comes via Sport England, for whom Draper was chief executive before moving to the LTA. Could another reason why he is not the usual jolly Roger these days be that, along with other senior figures who worked with the funding body, including ex-chairmen Derek Mapp, Lord Carter and Trevor Brooking, he will be asked to give evidence at the inquiry into the mystery of the secret account which operated between 1999 and 2007 to benefit minor sports, and from which almost &pound;20m is unaccounted for? While Sport England insist no criminality is suspected, there is bound to be great embarrassment when, hopefully, all is revealed. </p> Others Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/sport-on-tv-croft-is-no-soft-touch-among-those-who-fell-through-the-net-1722320.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/sport-on-tv-croft-is-no-soft-touch-among-those-who-fell-through-the-net-1722320.html <p>It was "Gruntwatch" this week on Today at Wimbledon (BBC2, Wednesday), with a fake David Attenborough delving into the jungles of SW19 to observe the exotic creatures with their "elegant plumage and a truly distinctive cry". In the outer reaches of Court 12 Francesca Schiavone "sounds like a wounded animal", while in the rooftop "studio" the bald eagle McEnroe soared and swooped down on a clucking Henman. But one charming bird, the lesser spotted Croft, has been spotted less often than usual. </p> TV & Radio Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/outside-edge-1722319.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/outside-edge-1722319.html <p>Life begins at 39, it seems. Sarah Booth of Harrogate set herself 40 challenges to complete in the year leading up to her 40th birthday. This has included running 1,033 miles in total including the gruelling Marathon des Sables – 126 miles across the Sahara desert – as well as taking up karate, yoga, surfing and orienteering. She also took her first coach trip (that must have been tough), and wore a dress for the first time in 30 years. Meanwhile Sir Stirling Moss says drivers should retake their tests at 70, 75 and 80. It should be added that the British motor-racing legend, now 79, was fined in 1989 for driving too slowly down the M4, having taken his 50cc moped for a spin. </p> Others Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/professional-fighters-will-compete-in-2012-games-1722322.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/professional-fighters-will-compete-in-2012-games-1722322.html ]]> <p>Professional boxers are to be allowed to take part in the Olympic Games. A revolutionary move will enable fighters who have earned money in the ring to compete for medals together with amateurs, starting in London in 2012.</p> Olympics Sun, 28 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-in-brief-27062009-1721450.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-in-brief-27062009-1721450.html <p> <b>Marathon hopeful Yamauchi forced out by foot injury</b> </p> <p> Britain&rsquo;s medal prospects two months out from the world championships in Berlin have not exactly been looking the brightest, what with only four athletes ranked in the world&rsquo;s top 10 this year in events that will be contested there in August. </p> Others Sat, 27 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/the-ten-best-great-british-victories-1719628.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/tennis/the-ten-best-great-british-victories-1719628.html ]]> <p> Andy Murray is bidding to end Britain's 73-year wait for a men's Wimbledon Champion at the All England Club this week. </p> Tennis Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:01:59 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/equestrianism-breen-sets-out-derby-claims-with-dorada-win-1719774.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/equestrianism-breen-sets-out-derby-claims-with-dorada-win-1719774.html <p>Shane Breen must have shortened his odds for Sunday's DFS Derby when he rode Dorada to victory on yesterday's opening day of the British Jumping Derby Meeting. </p> Others Fri, 26 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/belfast-to-host-world-dwarf-games-1719167.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/belfast-to-host-world-dwarf-games-1719167.html ]]> <p> Belfast is to host one of the world's most unique sporting events this summer - the World Dwarf Games. </p> Others Thu, 25 Jun 2009 13:42:36 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-klitschkos-victory-is-efficient-but-dull-1712288.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-klitschkos-victory-is-efficient-but-dull-1712288.html ]]> <p>The professional boxing business is thriving in Germany, where a crowd of 61,000 people was entertained on Saturday night in a heavyweight championship fight at the Veltins Arena when one man was hit just once in nine completed rounds. </p> Others Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/inside-lines-sport-england-will-be-called-to-account-over-missing-millions-1711436.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/inside-lines-sport-england-will-be-called-to-account-over-missing-millions-1711436.html <p>Our exes-vexed MPs no doubt will welcome the diversion tomorrow when the parliamentary spotlight is turned on to the possible exposure</p> Others Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/outside-edge-1711438.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/outside-edge-1711438.html <p>Hull City's chairman, Paul Duffen, had a six-month driving ban for speeding lifted last week after he claimed it would cause him "exceptional hardship". He said he couldn't hire a chauffeur, as had been suggested by magistrates at his sentencing in May, because it would compromise his ability to discuss sensitive transfer deals. Outside Edge thinks that Duffen should have Kevin Ward, winner of the Ancient and Honourable Town Criers Guild Championship, in the passenger seat telling everyone what he's talking about – and Daz the German Shepherd in the back. Last week in Finsbury Park, Daz broke the world record for the loudest-ever bark, 108 decibels – the same as a chainsaw.</p> Others Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/sport-on-tv-united-we-stand-loach-is-on-the-ball-he-shoots-he-scores-1711439.html http://www.independent.co.uk/news/media/tv-radio/sport-on-tv-united-we-stand-loach-is-on-the-ball-he-shoots-he-scores-1711439.html <p>Eric Cantona did many extraordinary things on the football pitch – and one just over the edge of it. But his greatest feat since his feet stopped doing the talking must surely be to get Ken Loach to direct a comedy.</p> TV & Radio Sun, 21 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-klitschko-faces-serious-test-1710666.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-klitschko-faces-serious-test-1710666.html ]]> <p>It has been an unprecedented six weeks in boxing with four big fights being scrapped and Ruslan Chagaev will benefit from the chaos when he fights Wladimir Klitschko for a trio of heavyweight belts in front of 60,000 tonight at the Veltins Arena, here in Gelsenkirchen.</p> Others Sat, 20 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-cavendish-rides-into-top-form-1708832.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cycling-cavendish-rides-into-top-form-1708832.html ]]> <p>British sprint phenomenon Mark Cavendish continued an impressive warm-up for the Tour de France with his second stage victory in four days in the Tour of Switzerland.</p> Others Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/healthy-living/cyclotherapy-the-road-to-ventoux-superstition-aint-the-way-1705789.html http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/healthy-living/cyclotherapy-the-road-to-ventoux-superstition-aint-the-way-1705789.html <p> How do you approach a big ride such as a long sportive? I doubt that you turn up and just do it, like the typical weekend training ride. If you're a novice, there will be justifiable trepidation and a sense of not quite knowing what you are embarking on. More experienced, and you will bring a weight of expectations, a list of curious talismanic conditions that need to be just-so for you to feel settled at the start. </p> Healthy Living Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:56:02 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cyclotherapy-road-to-ventoux--the-names-ohagan-1705654.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/cyclotherapy-road-to-ventoux--the-names-ohagan-1705654.html <p> I haven't kept any of the race numbers I've been given from the numerous sportives I've ridden. I've got more cycling clobber than my wife can stand as it is. But I'll be keeping the number I was allocated on yesterday's Dragon Ride in the Brecon Beacons. </p> Others Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:48:20 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/richard-dunwoody-trot-on-1705352.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/richard-dunwoody-trot-on-1705352.html ]]> <p>A car is being loaded on to a breakdown trailer. Its owner gives Richard Dunwoody a wry look. "Hello!" returns Dunwoody brightly. "Got it sorted? Well done."</p> Others Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/robin-scottelliot-lloyd-takes-bull-by-the-horns-in-twenty20-cow-corner-1705355.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/robin-scottelliot-lloyd-takes-bull-by-the-horns-in-twenty20-cow-corner-1705355.html <p>Cow corner means different things to different people. To David Lloyd, it's an area of the field where the less talented cricketer, and Dimitri Mascarenhas, aims a suitably agricultural heave. To Gordon Brown, it's where Hazel Blears sits (her resemblance to Gordon Strachan is unnerving). To David Blunkett, it's trouble. And to a Texan it's an excuse to strap on the chaps, saddle up and get bucked.</p> Others Mon, 15 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/inside-lines-how-nasty-nick-boxed-clever-to-land-his-political-punches-1704732.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/inside-lines-how-nasty-nick-boxed-clever-to-land-his-political-punches-1704732.html <p>Surprise, surprise. Nick Griffin, the BNP leader, is actually a leftie – and a fan of Amir Khan. So he told us last week when we discussed his own boxing career, which included winning a Blue for Cambridge (light, not dark, of course). </p> Others Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-out-of-the-east-comes-a-feast-of-fistic-contenders-1704734.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-out-of-the-east-comes-a-feast-of-fistic-contenders-1704734.html ]]> <p>David Haye's spot of spinal discord has turned out to be more a pain in the backside with his impudent quest for a shot at the world title shelved indefinitely. Wladimir Klitschko has moved smoothly into an alternative heavy date with Uzbekistan's Ruslan Chagaev in Gelsenkirchen next Saturday, meaning that while the Hayemaker's hopes go west, the championship will remain securely in the east. </p> Others Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/outside-edge-1704735.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/outside-edge-1704735.html <p>As South Africa puts to the test its preparations for next year's World Cup, lowly Swaziland on its eastern border has seen its only football stadium ruined after the artificial pitch in Lobamba was ripped apart by players trying to bury lucky charms. Back in the UK, the game is seemingly awash with cash again. Steve Day hired West Ham's Upton Park for &pound;6,000 so that his son George can celebrate his 10th birthday with a game against his mates. They live in Cowbridge, Wales, so dad hired the England team coach, for another grand, to pick them up. They will meet Gianfranco Zola too but millionaire Steve must have too much business sense to invest in any Icelandic banks.</p> Others Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-on-tv-fleeting-glimpses-of-brilliance-lurk-in-murk-of-english-summer-1704736.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-on-tv-fleeting-glimpses-of-brilliance-lurk-in-murk-of-english-summer-1704736.html <p>The World Twenty20 began in predictable fashion. It rained, it poured, and the opening ceremony was cancelled. That was probably a blessing. But a pipe opener against the orange minnows of Holland hardly augured well, with more than two billion eyes turned towards England's goldfish bowl on Sky Sports. </p> Others Sun, 14 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-in-brief-13062009-1704050.html http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/sport-in-brief-13062009-1704050.html <p> <b>Audi star McNish fears power shift at Le Mans </b> </p> <p> They may not be ringing the changes as dramatically as in Formula One, but Audi could be the victims of a power shift at Le Mans this weekend. </p> Others Sat, 13 Jun 2009 00:00:01 +0100