The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 27 August 2013

Rooney unable to inspire United in Chelsea stalemate

A first start of the season by Wayne Rooney was unable to inspire Manchester United to victory last night as they were held to a goalless draw by Chelsea.
The England forward earned a favourable reaction from the crowd, despite being linked with a move to join Jose Mourinho, above, at Chelsea, who defended resolutely. MORE

Briton Evans shocks 11th seed

Dan Evans stole the headlines on the opening day of the US Open, the Briton beating 11th seed Kei Nishikori in straight sets 6-4, 6-4, 6-2. Compatriot Laura Robson also made a winning singles start, the 30th seed overcoming Lourdes Dominguez Lino 7-5, 6-0 to progress. MORE

Henman calls for grass-roots focus

Tim Henman has called on the LTA to plough more money into the grass roots of tennis. “I would prioritise [it] to the point where I wouldn’t be doing other things,” he said. “My own view would be actually to cut back on what the LTA is doing at the professional level.”

Joe to be kept at Hart of England

Joe Hart is to be reassured of his status as England’s No 1 when manager Roy Hodgson names his squad today for next month’s World Cup double-header. Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge is likely to be included, while Andros Townsend and Ross Barkley are long shots.

Clubs curb players’ Twitter activities

Players’ usage of social networking site Twitter is to be monitored by a new Social Pundit device. An email will be sent to the player’s club should they mention one of more than 3,000 words on a database. Clubs will be alerted to the severity of the wording and the “damage” done.

Flower not ready to wilt from role

Andy Flower has refused to confirm whether he will remain in charge beyond this winter’s Ashes return. “I don’t look that far ahead,” he said. “You never know what’s round the corner. I’m supposed to make a difference and I take that very seriously.”

England revelled dancing in the dark

The trouble for umpires is the trouble they would be in if a player, probably a fielder, was hurt in the twilight because he could not see the ball. But Karachi on 11 December 2000 proves what was possible.

Hamilton: Vettel is perfect package

Lewis Hamilton admits Sebastian Vettel will take some catching in this year’s title race. “Seb has a phenomenal car and it is still phenomenally quick,” Hamilton said. “It is the perfect package. We’ll soon need to finish ahead of him each and every time.”

Lowes doubles up at Cadwell Park

Alex Lowes won twice at Cadwell Park yesterday for his first double success of the British Superbike Championship. A win from pole in the first preceded a late displacement of Josh Brookes in the second, to move Lowes on to 293 points.

Remedy all right for Ripon repeat

Veteran Osteopathic Remedy won the Ripon Rowels Handicap for the fourth time. The Michael Dods-trained nine-year-old, who scored at 10-1 under Connor Beasley, previously won the contest in 2008, 2010 and last year.

Robin Scott-Elliot

Cricket needs Tests. They are the bedrock of the sport, and its future. But it also needs strong umpires like Aleem Dar and a governing body strong enough to let the umpires strike back on their own.