The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 10 April 2013

Woods confident of beating Nicklaus' Major record

Four-time Masters champion Tiger Woods remains confident he has enough time to overhaul Jack Nicklaus and his record of 18 Major titles.

"It took Jack a while to get to 18, all the way until he was 46 years old," the 14-time Major winner, above, said ahead of tomorrow's Masters start at Augusta National. "There's plenty of opportunities for me. I have a lot of good years ahead and I'm excited about this week." MORE

Ronaldo sees nervy Real through

Cristiano Ronaldo scored twice as Real Madrid progressed into the last four of the Champions League, beating Galatasaray 5-3 on aggregate. A burst of three goals in 15 minutes had given the hosts slight hope, but Ronaldo's efforts were enough to see the Spanish side home. MORE

Dortmund deny Malaga at death

Two injury-time goals sent Borussia Dortmund into the Champions League semi-finals as they secured an unlikely 3-2 aggregate victory over Malaga. Marco Reus and Felipe Santana completed the turnaround after the Spanish visitors had led 2-1 on 90 minutes. MORE

McIlroy: It's not just about Tiger

Rory McIlroy has denied that his Masters campaign will be all about matching the efforts of a resurgent Tiger Woods. "If I saw myself as a rival to Tiger, I wouldn't really be doing him much justice," he said. "I don't see myself as a rival to Tiger or to anyone." MORE

Watson set for Poulter reunion

Bubba Watson will begin the defence of his Masters title in the company of Ian Poulter and US Amateur champion Steven Fox in Augusta. Rory McIlroy will also enjoy a Ryder Cup reunion with American Keegan Bradley, whom he beat in the singles on the Sunday. MORE

Cardiff go six clear at top as Owls win

Cardiff went six points clear at the top of the Championship last night, despite conceding a late equaliser to draw 1-1 with Barnsley. Elsewhere, FA Cup semi-finalists Millwall surrendered an early lead to lose 2-1 at home to Sheffield Wednesday. MORE

Neville calls time on Everton career

Everton defender Phil Neville is to leave Goodison Park in the summer after eight seasons on Merseyside. "It's been an honour," the former England player said. "I will leave with immense pride. The fans have been amazing." MORE

Welch confident of defending title

Bowling coach Graeme Welch believes Warwickshire are well-placed to retain their First Division title. "I think we are strong enough to defend the title," he said. "We are going to have to be better than we were last year but we won't be far away." MORE

Baltacha back in place of Watson

Elena Baltacha's timely return from nine months out with injury offset the absence of Heather Watson from Great Britain's Fed Cup squad for next week's play-off in Argentina. Captain Judy Murray also included Laura Robson in her party. MORE

Mania discharged with minor fracture

Grand National winner Ryan Mania was discharged from hospital after his fall at Hexham on Sunday. Scans revealed a minor fracture of the vertebra, but Mania said he was no more than "a bit tired and sore". MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Justin Rose was labelled "Britain's answer to Tiger Woods", a burden which grew with every missed cut at the dawn of his professional career. Yet here yesterday he had never worn it quite so lightly. MORE