The Sports Matrix: Tuesday 15 March 2011
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Hurricane Fly on right track to glory
Irish hurdler Hurricane Fly will be the favourite going in to today’s Champion Hurdle as the festival gets underway. The horse has lost just once from eight starts in the Grade One category under trainer Willie Mullins, son of Paddy, who trained Dawn Run. MORE
England’s fate out of their hands
England could be eliminated from the tournament whatever happens in their final group game against West Indies on Thursday. But they hope they can repeat their feat at last year’s World Twenty20 when they started sluggishly but won the title. MORE
Pakistan through to quarter-finals
Pakistan have progressed from the first stage of the tournament for the first time since 1999, after beating Zimbabwe by seven wickets in a rain-affected match. Umar Gul took three wickets and Asad Shafiq hit 78 not out.
Wolf Moon the best value of the day
The best value of today is Wolf Moon in the Stewart Family Spinal Research Chase. In the Supreme Novices’ Hurdle, Paddy Power is refunding all bets if Cue Card wins. That said, Zaidpour may well be a better option for the punters. MORE
Tindall to learn if fit to face Ireland
England captain Mike Tindall will hear today if he is fit for Saturday’s Grand Slam decider against Ireland in Dublin. The centre twisted his ankle ligaments in the 22-16 win over Scotland last weekend. If he is out, Matt Banahan is likely to replace him. MORE
Have years caught up with Kauto Star?
Going into the Festival, many are wondering whether the 11-yearold Kauto Star is past it, as he is under pressure to regain the Gold Cup. Chris McGrath looks at his chances and four more questions that we will learn the answers to in the coming days. MORE
Late Norwich goals earn crucial win
Norwich City moved up to second after a 3-1 home win over with Bristol City. A Grant Holt penalty put Norwich ahead, although Albert Adomah’s equaliser looked to have held them only for Henri Lansbury and Andrew Surman to win it with late strikes. MORE
Ferguson delights in Valencia’s return
Wayne Rooney’s return to form and Antonio Valencia’s return from injury is a fillip for Sir Alex Ferguson ahead of tonight’s second leg with Marseilles. “They are both young and have great energies,” said Ferguson. “Antonio is a great boost to us.” MORE
Torres admits teething problems
Chelsea’s record signing Fernando Torres has admitted that he has struggled to settle since his January move. The striker, who has yet to score for Chelsea, said: “The first few weeks are not easy. You don’t just arrive and everything is waiting for you.” MORE
Opinion: James Lawton
If an Animal Aid activist, protesting against the deaths of race horses, confronted Peter O’Sullevan, the veteran commentator knows what his old horse Attivo would say: “For heaven’s sake, don’t stop me racing.” MORE
Terry likely to be made captain again
Fabio Capello is likely to re-instate John Terry as England captain ahead of next week’s European Championship qualifier against Wales. He sacked the Chelsea defender as captain 13 months ago after a series of indiscretions but insists that Terry has served his time and that it is his right to bring him back. “I am the manager and it is my decision,” said Capello. “Now I believe he is still a good player and still a good captain. I still have to talk to some players and then make my decision and it will be announced next week.” The often-injured Rio Ferdinand has officially been captain, since it was taken from Terry before the 2010 World Cup. MORE
Marseilles captain hails ‘great’ United
Marseilles goalkeeper and captain Steve Mandanda knows how strong a challenge United will give this evening. “They’re very solid, especially defensively,” he said. “They also have a couple of very intelligent lads up front. They’re a great, great team.” MORE
Bayern distracted by Van Gaal exit
The probable elimination of current champions Internazionale tonight has been forgotten in Munich. The talk is of last week’s announcement that the German champions will be dispensing with manager Louis van Gaal at the end of the season. MORE
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments