The Sports Matrix: Wednesday 16 January 2013

McGinley thanks Rory after taking Ryder captaincy

Irishman Paul McGinley was last night named as Europe's Ryder Cup captain for the 2014 event at Glen-eagles and immediately set about thanking countrymen Rory McIlroy, above, and Graeme McDowell for their support. The 46-year-old, who won all three Cups he appeared in as a player, was vice-captain in both the 2010 and 2012 tournaments.

"There's a couple of good things happened for me in terms of getting this role, and one of them was Rory and Graeme McDowell [playing] in the first Seve trophy, which was my first captaincy. Rory was not the star then that he is now. They were huge for me that week. To have the support of someone like Rory and the other players made my hand very strong."

McGinley hit the winning shot for Europe in the 2002 Cup and spoke of his delight at resuming his love affair with the trophy: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be leading this team. It is a huge honour and a humbling experience." MORE

QPR find form as Leeds host Spurs

A late Jay Bothroyd goal earned QPR a 1-0 win at West Bromwich and a place in the FA Cup fourth round, where they host MK Dons. Leeds won 2-1 at Birmingham and will next host Tottenham, while Wigan also won away, Mauro Boselli securing a 1-0 win at Bournemouth. MORE

Super Sordell sinks sorry Sunderland

A double from Marvin Sordell helped Bolton to a shock 2-0 victory at Sunderland in their FA Cup third-round replay. Elsewhere, Brentford overcame Southend 2-1 to set up a fourth-round visit of Chelsea, while Stoke required extra-time to beat Crystal Palace 4-1. MORE

British pair ease into second round

Andy Murray and Laura Robson came through their opening matches at the Australian Open in impressive fashion yesterday. The Scot eased past Robin Haase 6-3, 6-1, 6-3, while Robson beat American Melanie Oudin 6-2, 6-3 to reach the second round. MORE

England well beaten as India level series

Half-centuries from M S Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja and Suresh Raina helped India level the one-day series with England as they won the second match by 127 runs in Kochi. Chasing 286 for victory, the tourists struggled to just 158, bowled out with 14 overs spare. MORE

Guardiola speaks of love for England

Former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola has spoken of his "fascination" with the English game as he prepares to return to the sport. "I've always found English football very fascinating," he said. "People always support everything and that is nice." MORE

Wenger waits to rest Wilshere

Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger admits Jack Wilshere's form makes it difficult to rest him as he returns from injury. "At some stage I will do it," he said ahead of tonight's FA Cup visit of Swansea City. "I don't think at the moment, but it will happen." MORE

Pretorius heads uncapped quintet

South African-born Andries Pretorius has been included in Wales' Six Nations squad after impressing as captain of the Cardiff Blues. Uncapped Josh Navidi, James King, Andrew Coombs and Eli Walker are also in the 35-man party. MORE

Cavendish pleased with his new team

Mark Cavendish believes his Omega Pharma-Quick Step team could prove stronger than his former HTC squad. "I think they can be better," the Briton said. "I want to go back to the Tour and compete, to win stages and the green jersey."

Frankel vaults over Brave in rankings

Unbeaten Frankel has been crowned best horse of the modern era after heading the 2012 World Thoroughbred Rankings. The champion leapfrogs Dancing Brave following a recalibration of classifications. MORE

Sam Wallace

No one wishes to see a player banned unjustly. But Vincent Kompany's red card was on much finer margins. If the Premier League go down this road it will chip away further at the reputation of officials. MORE