The Sport Matrix: Monday 10 February 2014

Messi at double as Barcelona prevail

Lionel Messi scored twice as Barcelona beat Seville 4-1 to return to the top of La Liga, with Cesc Fabregas and Alexis Sanchez also scoring. Meanwhile in France, Ligue 1 leaders Paris St-Germain drew 1-1 at Monaco, with Thiago Silva’s own goal ensuring a point for the hosts.

France get their revenge over Italy

France showed their title credentials with a 30-10 win over Italy yesterday. Louis Picamoles, Wesley Fofana and Hugo Bonneval all scored tries for France, who gained revenge over the Italians for last year’s defeat in the opening match. MORE

Last Instalment displays potential

Last Instalment showed he is a contender for next month’s Cheltenham Gold Cup after completing his comeback from injury with victory in the Hennessy Gold Cup Chase at Leopardstown yesterday.

Bent shocks United with late equaliser

Darren Bent scored in stoppage time to earn a dramatic 2-2 draw for Fulham at Manchester United yesterday. Steve Sidwell gave Fulham the lead before Robin van Persie and Michael Carrick scored as United seemed set to win. But Bent struck to stun Old Trafford. MORE

Lancaster wary of Irish experience

Stuart Lancaster is wary of England’s next challenge against Ireland following the win over Scotland. The coach said: “Their experience will outweigh ours and we’re respectful of them. It will be up to us to impose our game on theirs.”

Adebayor fires Spurs up to fifth

Emmanuel Adebayor scored the only goal as Tottenham defeated Everton at White Hart Lane. The forward’s goal came in the 65th minute, chesting down Kyle Walker’s free-kick before firing past Tim Howard to send Tim Sherwood’s team above Everton and up to fifth. MORE

Katarina secures title in long jump

Katarina Johnson-Thompson shone at the British Indoor Championships, adding the long jump title to the high jump gold she had claimed. The 21-year-old won the long jump with a best of 6.75 metres and said: “I’m over the moon with that.” MORE

Opinion: Stephen Brenkley

Kevin Pietersen’s considerable contribution to England is now grievously tarnished as a man who breached trust, betrayed the sanctity of the dressing room and traduced his colleagues. MORE

Jones ecstatic with slopestyle bronze

Snowboarder Jenny Jones was ecstatic after winning Great Britain’s first-ever Olympic medal on the snow with a dramatic slopestyle bronze yesterday. “It’s ridiculous,” enthused Jones, 33, who was in disbelief after stepping on to the podium. “That’s me. Me from Bristol!” MORE

Tiger’s niece wins maiden tour title

Cheyenne Woods, the niece of 14-time major winner Tiger Woods, secured her first career title with a two-shot win at the Volvik RACV Ladies Masters in Australia yesterday. The 23-year-old carded a four-under-par 69 to finish at 16 under.