The Sports Matrix: Wednesday 5 September 2012

Weir battles to victory in 1500m for second gold

David Weir surged to his second gold of the London Paralympics last night with a victory in the T54 1500m, holding off the challenge of Thailand's Prawat Wahoram.

"I'm very proud," the 33-year-old wheelchair racer said after bringing down the 80,000-strong house with a brilliant ride. "It's a shock really because the field was so strong. I was probably the fourth-fastest in the field on paper, but I had lots of top speed and I wasn't so nervous tonight."

There had been talk of his rivals trying to box him on to the kerb but Weir adroitly avoided the trap, spurting clear just after the bell and crossing the line in 3min 12.09sec.

Weir's win takes his Paralympic medal tally up to eight, half of them gold. "The plan was to win the first race [5,000m], and I did that so I could get more relaxed."

Free agent Owen joins the Potters

The former England striker Michael Owen last night signed for Stoke City, ending a four-month search for a new club since he was released by Manchester United. The 32-year-old has agreed a one-year deal after enduring three injury-blighted seasons at Old Trafford. MORE

Defoe reveals transfer 'madness'

The Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe admitted yesterday that the club's players didn't know who was going to be sold on the final day of the transfer window last week. "It was a bit mad," the 29-year-old said. "You didn't know who you would see the next day." MORE

Frederiksen reaps golden rewards

Heather Frederiksen retained her title from Beijing in the women's S8 100m backstroke. "That was unbelievable," she said after her win. "I couldn't be more happy." Ellie Simmonds, who had already won two golds at these Games, claimed bronze in the 50m freestyle. MORE

Christiansen rides to third gold medal

Sophie Christiansen won her third gold of the Games yesterday, in the freestyle dressage Grade 1a test with a score of 84.750 per cent aboard her horse, Janeiro 6. In other equestrian events, Britain's Sophie Wells and Deb Criddle both won silver medals. MORE

Murray to draw on Olympic triumph

Andy Murray, who plays Marin Cilic today in the US Open quarter-finals, says he will draw on his Olympic success to help him in Grand Slams. "I need to remember [his Olympic victory] when I get into these situations deep in the big events." MORE

Flower misses ODI finale to see family

Andy Flower, the England coach, is missing the final one-day international of the summer against South Africa today to spend more time with his family. Jonny Bairstow is expected to step in for the injured Jonathan Trott at Trent Bridge. MORE

Blake's personal best secures silver

In the 400m T36 final, Britain's Paul Blake ran a personal best time of 54.22sec to secure silver. "It's my first Games and the support was amazing," Blake said. Russia's Evgenii Shvetcov claimed gold with a world record time of 53.31sec.

Brown heads GB archery one-two

Great Britain recorded a one-two in the archery as Danielle Brown, who was defending her title from Beijing, held her nerve to win gold in the individual compound event, beating compatriot Mel Clarke 6-4 in the final. page 52

Gatland worried over Lions fixtures

Warren Gatland, the Lions head coach, is worried about the timing of the tour of Australia. "It could be that the first time the whole squad is together is at the farewell dinner on the Sunday," he said. MORE

Opinion: James Lawton

Michael Owen was, of course, a great goalscorer in whom maybe too many in English football did not believe quite enough, including the club he served most brilliantly, Liverpool. MORE