The Sports Matrix: Monday 31 October 2011

Warnock leaves racism row behind

Queen’s Park Rangers manager Neil Warnock said he had no hesitation selecting Anton Ferdinand for yesterday’s game with Tottenham, despite the racism row surrounding the defender. “We’ve moved on,” Warnock said. “It doesn’t affect us at all.” MORE

Sarries primed for Sharks showdown

Saracens warmed up for their crucial meeting with Sale Sharks next Sunday with a narrow 19-17 win at Gloucester on Saturday, ending the hosts’ two-year winning run at the ground. Saracens are now second in the table, behind Harlequins. MORE

Pietersen fined for angry reaction

Kevin Pietersen has been given an official reprimand and fined 50 per cent of his match fee for his angry reaction to being given out leg-before in Saturday’s Twenty20 victory over India at Eden Gardens after he scored 53. MORE

Pardew eager to avenge heavy loss

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew wants retribution for the 4-0 loss his team suffered to Stoke last season – the heaviest defeat of his Newcastle tenure – when the teams meet at the Britannia Stadium tonight. His team are still unbeaten in the league. MORE

Mcllroy secures £1.25m in Shanghai

Rory McIlroy defeated American Anthony Kim in a play-off to take the Shanghai Masters, in the process winning £1.25m. “I’ve been close in two or three tournaments and had two thirds and two seconds, but was finally able to get over the line,” McIlroy said. MORE

Invincible Vettel prevails in India

Sebastian Vettel became the first man to win the Indian Grand Prix, with the champion eclipsing Jenson Button. Felipe Massa, meanwhile, blamed Lewis Hamilton for hitting him as they fought over fifth place on lap 24, with Massa being punished. MORE

Kvitova wins WTA title in Turkey

Petra Kvitova won the BNP Paribas Championships in her first appearance, a 7-5, 4-6, 6-3 win over Victoria Azarenka in Istanbul giving the Wimbledon champion her sixth title of the year. It ensured she will rise to No 2 in the world rankings. MORE

Opinion: Sam Wallace

Not content with flogging us the actual GB shirt for the Olympic football competition, Adidas have decided to double-up with another jersey in a blatant attempt to wring some more money out of a crowded market. MORE

Bale and Van der Vaart inspire Spurs

A double from Gareth Bale, and Rafael van der Vaart’s sixth goal in his last five league games, inspired Tottenham to a 3-1 win over local rivals Queen’s Park Rangers at White Hart Lane yesterday. But Spurs manager Harry Redknapp was quick to praise midfielder Scott Parker’s contribution to the win. “It’s not always about a £35m superstar. Sometimes it is about good characters in your club, as well as them being a fantastic player,” he said of Parker. MORE