The Sports Matrix: Monday 31 January 2011
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Your support makes all the difference.Murray suffers at hands of Djokovic
Andy Murray lost his third Grand Slam final yesterday as he was beaten 6-4, 6-2, 6-3 by Novak Djokovic at the Australian Open. Murray did not do himself justice and was broken repeatedly by the Serb, who claimed his second Australian Open title. MORE
Beaten finalist ‘needs to chill out’
Andy Murray is going to take a brief break from the game after yesterday’s defeat: “Tennis is obviously a lot of fun, but I enjoy the other parts of life as well,” he said. “I want to spend time with my girlfriend, chill out and get away from the court.” MORE
Three champions celebrate together
Kim Clijsters celebrated her women’s singles title with the US’s Mike and Bob Bryan who won the men’s doubles. “We walked the streets of Melbourne for about an hour, laughing and talking,” said the Belgian champion. MORE
England lose series after fourth defeat
England lost the fifth one-day international by 51 runs, leaving them 4-1 down in the seven-match series. They were asked to chase 250 after Chris Woakes took 6 for 45, but fell well short. “We’ve all got to put our hands up,” said captain Andrew Strauss. MORE
Simpson-Daniel stars in Saxons win
James Simpson-Daniel is in contention for the World Cup squad after scoring two tries in England Saxons’ 45-17 defeat of Italy A on Saturday. “I’ve been told I’m on the radar,” said the Gloucester back who could solve England’s problem at outside centre. MORE
Early blitz sends Fulham through
Fulham stunned Tottenham with four first-half goals at Craven Cottage. Danny Murphy scored two early penalties, the second of which earned Michael Dawson a red card, before Brede Hangeland and Moussa Dembélé made it 4-0 before the interval. MORE
Chelsea hopeful over Torres fee
Chelsea are prepared to pay £50m for the striker Fernando Torres. They have offered Daniel Sturridge in part exchange but Liverpool would prefer Nicolas Anelka. If Torres departs, Liverpool may try to re-invest some of the money in Aston Villa’s Ashley Young. MORE
County denied by Dzeko equaliser
Manchester City needed a late equaliser to force a replay against League One Notts County. Neal Bishop headed the home side to a 1-0 lead from a corner and they were 10 minutes away from victory when Edin Dzeko scored from Micah Richards’ cross. MORE
Abramovich in cash quandary
If Roman Abramovich pays a British record fee for Fernando Torres today it will threaten Chelsea’s ability to satisfy Uefa’s financial fair play rules. But if Champions League qualification is the aim he may have little choice. MORE
Opinion: James Lawton
One conclusion from yesterday’s final was bleakly inevitable. It was that while Novak Djokovic, now a major tennis player, has grown up, Andy Murray resembles nothing so much as a case of arrested development. MORE
Crawley handed ‘surreal’ United tie
Non-league Crawley Town have been rewarded for reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup with the most prestigious possible draw: an away tie at Manchester United. Crawley are the first non-league team for 17 years to qualify for the fifth round and manager Steve Evans (right) described it as a “surreal moment”, which he was delighted with. “It was just a surreal moment,” he said. “I suppose if you are Arsène Wenger or Alec McLeish you don’t want that draw – but we did. We will approach the tie in a really positive nature. The only non-league club capable of beating Manchester United is Crawley Town as we stand today. Miracles do happen”. Another tie with the “romance of the Cup” sees League One Leyton Orient hosting Arsenal, while Notts County could have Aston Villa as visitors if they complete the unlikely task of beating Manchester City in their replay. MORE
Fabregas penalty wins it for Arsenal
Arsenal reached the fifth round after beating Huddersfield 2-1 at home. Peter Clarke’s own goal put Arsenal ahead though Huddersfield rallied after Sébastien Squillaci was sent off, and Alan Lee equalised before Cesc Fabregas converted a late penalty. MORE
Obinna livened by Keane arrival
A Victor Obinna hat-trick saw West Ham past Nottingham Forest into the fifth round on the day fellow striker Robbie Keane arrived on loan at the Hammers. Forest had taken a 2-1 lead before Obinna’s mishit cross and penalty earned the win. MORE
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