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The Sport Matrix: Friday 28 February 2014

 

Friday 28 February 2014 01:00 GMT
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Varnish and James win bronze for GB in team sprint

Jess Varnish and Becky James sprinted to a bronze medal in the early hours of yesterday to get Britain off the mark in the track world championships.

The women’s team sprint pair bettered Russia in the third-place sprint-off in Cali, Colombia, with a time off 33.032sec. “It was a solid performance tonight,” Varnish said. “It’s a really different track to what we’ve ridden on and you can’t really compare it to other performances. I think we should be happy.”

Germany’s Miriam Welte and Kristina Vogel, the Olympic champions and world record holders, won a third straight world title, with China second.

United determined to keep Van Persie away from rivals

Manchester United are prepared to dig in their heels, as they did with Wayne Rooney last summer, if Robin van Persie’s frustration with the club’s struggles leads rivals to attempt to entice the 30-year-old Dutch international (left) away with the promise of Champions League football.

Three of United’s defenders are likely to leave this summer – Nemanja Vidic, the 32-year-old centre-back is definitely departing – and the club anticipates the need to replace up to six players. But United feel any more disruption might unsettle the squad.

Spurs progress as Swansea crash out

Tottenham progressed to the last 16 after coming from behind to beat 10-man Dnipro 3-1 on the night and 3-2 on aggregate, with Emmanuel Adebayor scoring twice. Meanwhile, Swansea crashed out, losing 3-1 to Napoli on the night following their goalless first-leg draw. MORE

WAGs on for Miami but Brazil a doubt

Roy Hodgson says the England players will be permitted to bring their wives and girlfriends – the “WAGs” – for the latter part of the squad’s pre-World Cup training camp in Miami, but says they will face security issues in Brazil.

‘Big name’ to miss out on World Cup

Roy Hodgson admits he will have to exclude one of the “big names” from his final 23-man England squad for the World Cup finals. Southampton full-back Luke Shaw has been included in the squad to play Denmark. MORE

Woods off the early pace in Florida

Tiger Woods closed on one over par, six off the clubhouse lead, after carding a 71 in the first round of the Honda Classic in Florida yesterday. “I wasn’t together today, didn’t get on a roll early,” said Woods. MORE

England and Giles kick off a new era

England’s new era starts today with the first ODI against West Indies. Ashley Giles also begins his audition for the full coaching job. Captain Stuart Broad said: “He’s pretty relaxed but very clear on what he wants.” MORE

Morgan ready to seize his chance

Ben Morgan is ready to seize his chance for England against Wales in injured Billy Vunipola’s absence. Morgan said: “Let’s be honest, Billy has played out of his skin. But with his misfortune comes my good fortune.” MORE

Sam Wallace

There was outrage in some quarters at the FA that the suspension for Anelka for the “quenelle” was not steeper than five matches. But getting any ban was tough work given the case’s complexities. MORE

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