Sport news

• Rio a prime goal for Serena on her return to competition

  03-03-2016 23:58
  By Mark Lamport-Stokes (Reuters) - Having played just one tournament since mid-September due to various injuries and a recent bout of flu, Serena Williams is now itching to get back into competition with the Rio Olympics among her top priorities for the year. The American world number one has not competed since her stunning loss to Germany's Angelique Kerber in the Australian Open final in January, and says she has learned lessons from that defeat which she will use to her advantage. "Whenever I
  
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• Wiggins vows to turn tables on Australia in Rio

  03-03-2016 23:56
  By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) - Britain can turn the tables on arch-rivals Australia and win the team pursuit title at the Rio Olympics after being edged out at the world championships on Thursday, Bradley Wiggins said. The 35-year-old former Tour de France champion, back to his track roots as he sets his sights on crowning his career with a fifth Olympic title, looked the strongest of Britain's quartet in a thrilling showdown in the London velodrome.
  
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• Marcus Rashford could gatecrash Euro 2016 while Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere have certain invites, reveals Roy Hodgson

  03-03-2016 23:46 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  SAMI MOKBEL: Rashford, 18, has burst onto the Manchester United scene with four goals in his first three senior games and Hodgson said: ‘I have been watching Rashford for two years.
  
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• Guus Hiddink will be in big demand when he leaves Chelsea for a second time, says captain John Terry

  03-03-2016 23:43 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Since succeeding the sacked Jose Mourinho in December, the Dutchman has inspired the defending Premier League champions back into contention for the Premier League's top six.
  
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• Matt Thornton agrees to minor league deal with Padres

  03-03-2016 23:40
  
  PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) — Reliever Matt Thornton agreed to a minor league contract with the San Diego Padres on Thursday, ending a frustrating offseason in which he wasn't offered a guaranteed deal.
  
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• Hull City midfielder Sam Clucas has energy, attitude and technical ability... we could see him in the Premier League next season 

  03-03-2016 23:32 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Our secret scout is a top football expert who attends matches each week searching for the next star. This week it's Hull City midfielder Sam Clucas who gets the secret scout treatment.
  
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• Wiggins denied as Australia win team pursuit gold

  03-03-2016 23:31
  By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) - Bradley Wiggins' hopes of leading Britain to team pursuit gold at the world track championships were foiled by old rivals Australia in a thrilling final on Thursday. It looked as though Wiggins, 35, and team mates Jonathan Dibben, Ed Clancy and Owain Doull would raise the roof in the Olympic velodrome as they recovered from an early deficit but a youthful Australia outfit struck back to claim the title. Victory for Sam Welsford, Michael Hepburn, Callum Scotson
  
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• Rugby can tackle the killjoys by playing numbers game... but the sport has a problem with just how big it has grown 

  03-03-2016 23:30 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  CHRIS FOY: The response has been loud and profound. Rugby has risen up in united, furious indignation in the face of calls by a group of medics and academics to ban tackling in schools.
  
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• It almost kicked off between McGregor and Diaz tonight in Vegas

  03-03-2016 23:28
  
  Things got pretty heated as they squared off at the press conference ahead of Saturday night’s bout.
  
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• Baseball card bonanza: Family makes rare Ty Cobb find

  03-03-2016 23:14
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — From a crumpled paper bag in a dilapidated house came a baseball-card find of a lifetime. Seven of them actually.
  
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• Barca set Spanish record of 35 matches unbeaten in all competitions

  03-03-2016 23:11
  MADRID (Reuters) - Barcelona set a Spanish record of 35 matches unbeaten in all competitions with a 5-1 win at nine-man Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Thursday helped by a Lionel Messi hat-trick. The league leaders broke Real Madrid’s 1988/89 undefeated run of 34 games after Ivan Rakitic opened the scoring before Messi's treble and a late Arda Turan strike sealed the points. (Writing by Ken Ferris; Editing by Toby Davis)
  
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• Davis Cup Preview: Sportsmail's Mike Dickson discusses key points ahead of Great Britain's tie against Japan

  03-03-2016 23:10 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Great Britain get their Davis Cup title defence underway with the first round tie against Japan. Dan Evans has been brought into the side to replace the injured Kyle Edmund.
  
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• BHA hail 'historic' move to replace the Levy betting system

  03-03-2016 23:09 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Government plans to revamp racing’s financial commitments from the betting industry have been hailed as ‘historic’ and ‘paving the way for a brighter future’ by leaders of the sport.
  
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• Dickerson hits really long HR, Rays tag Gonzalez, Orioles

  03-03-2016 22:48
  PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — Corey Dickerson hit a home run that stopped rolling 569 feet from home plate, according to the Tampa Bay Rays.
  
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• Robin Goodfellow's Racing Tips: All the best bets for Friday, March 4

  03-03-2016 22:40 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Sportsmail racing expert Robin Goodfellow gives his hottest selections ahead of Friday's racing at Doncaster, Lingfield, Newbury and Wolverhampton.
  
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• Rio 2016 chief Carlos Nuzman: We will deliver a spectacular Games

  03-03-2016 22:40 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Rio 2016 organising committee president Carlos Nuzman insists Brazil remains on schedule to deliver a successful Olympic Games despite numerous problems.
  
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• Leading amateur jockey Derek O'Connor switches to Minella Rocco for the Cheltenham Festival  

  03-03-2016 22:40 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Crack Irish amateur jockey Derek O’Connor has switched to ride Jonjo O’Neill-trained Minella Rocco in the four-mile National Hunt Chase at the Cheltenham Festival.
  
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• Texans release franchise rushing leader Arian Foster

  03-03-2016 22:34
  
  Arian Foster's time with the Houston Texans has ended after seven seasons.
  
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• Rayo Vallecano 1-4 Barcelona LIVE: Follow La Liga action as Lionel Messi and Co chase 10th straight top flight victory

  03-03-2016 22:31 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Barcelona pay a visit to Madrid on Thursday night to face relegation-threatened Rayo Vallecano as they look to increase their lead at the La Liga summit. Follow all the action as it happens.
  
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• Judge considers right to strike for US women's soccer team

  03-03-2016 22:30
  
  CHICAGO (AP) — A federal judge is poised to make a high-stakes ruling on whether the Women's World Cup-winning American national team has the right to strike before the Summer Olympics, an action the sport's governing body warns could stunt the development of soccer in the United States.
  
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• Dan Evans drafted into Great Britain Davis Cup team as maverick looks to kick-start career in front of hometown crowd

  03-03-2016 22:25 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  MIKE DICKSON: This time last year Great Britain set off in their unlikely pursuit of the Davis Cup title, with James Ward the hero against the USA and Dan Evans nowhere to be seen.
  
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• Harbaugh to Tennessee's Butch Jones: Focus on your team

  03-03-2016 22:05
  Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh suggested on Twitter that Tennessee coach Butch Jones should focus on his own team instead of tweeting about having lunch in Florida, where the Wolverines are holding spring practice this week at the IMG Academy.
  
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• Lewis Hamilton cheered on by Lindsey Vonn during Formula One testing session 

  03-03-2016 21:56 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  One of the fastest skiersturned up to support one of the fastest Formula One drivers as Lindsey Vonn cheered on Lewis Hamilton during another day of testing.
  
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• Gareth Bale takes on 'the master' Zinedine Zidane as Real Madrid winger steps up fitness bid

  03-03-2016 21:49 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Gareth Bale showed boss Zinedine Zidane he was on his way to full fitness on Thursday. The Real Madrid winger was confident enough to take on French legend during a practice match.
  
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• Panthers release DE Johnson, DT Edwards, re-sign OL Scott

  03-03-2016 21:48
  
  CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Charles Johnson's nine-year run with the Carolina Panthers is over.
  
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• Court debate may lead to 'Deflategate' suspension for Brady

  03-03-2016 21:47
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — The odds that the "Deflategate" four-game suspension of New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is restored rose considerably after federal appeals court arguments Thursday.
  
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• LeBron says he doesn't care about look of Miami trip

  03-03-2016 21:30
  
  INDEPENDENCE, Ohio (AP) — LeBron James didn't want to discuss his cryptic tweet, his quick trip to hang out with Dwyane Wade in Florida or much of anything.
  
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• Manuel Pellegrini offered Zenit Saint Petersburg job when he leaves Manchester City to be replaced by Pep Guardiola

  03-03-2016 21:14 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Manuel Pellegrini's agent has spoken to the Russian Premier League Champions who are offering a two-year, €4million-a-season (£3.09million) deal.
  
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• Anthony: Decision to apologize made by Knicks owner Dolan

  03-03-2016 21:02
  
  GREENBURGH, N.Y. (AP) — Carmelo Anthony says the decision to issue an apology for his interaction with a fan was made by Madison Square Garden chairman James Dolan.
  
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• Massimo Cellino's son Edoardo tells Leeds fan to 'go f*** yourself' while sibling Ercole compares female to a whale in online post

  03-03-2016 20:54 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  JACK GAUGHAN: Leeds United's ownership plunges new depths as Sportsmail reveals grotesque insults volleyed at supporters by two of Massimo Cellino's sons.
  
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• Tough to fulfil Man United expectations with injury problems and fixture list – Van Gaal

  03-03-2016 20:46
  
  A raft of injuries and a congested fixture list are hampering United’s bid for success, according to their manager.
  
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• Andy Murray likens Arsenal struggles to his long wait to win a Grand Slam and urges players to 'work hard and keep believing'

  03-03-2016 20:29 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  The Gunners are bidding to win the trophy for the first time in 12 years and were favourites but have faltered badly and sit six points behind leaders Leicester.
  
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• David Cameron urges Premier League clubs to ensure ticket prices are fair for fans 

  03-03-2016 20:04 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  The spiralling cost of watching football has been under scrutiny in recent weeks, with Liverpool fans last month staging a mass walk-out during a match in protest at plans to charge £77 for some tickets.
  
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• Paralympian recovering after surgery

  03-03-2016 19:59 via bbc.co.uk
  
  Paralympian David Smith undergoes nine hours of life-saving surgery to a tumour just 8mm from his spine.
  
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• Drug-testing lab will be operational for Games - Rio chief

  03-03-2016 19:44
  By Martyn Herman LONDON (Reuters) - The anti-doping laboratory that will test athletes during this year's Olympic Games will be fully WADA compliant by this month's deadline, Rio organising committee president Carlos Nuzman said on Thursday. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) stripped the $25 million (£17.6 million) Laboratorio Brasileiro de Controle de Dopagem (LBCD) of its accreditation in 2013 because it failed to meet required standards, re-instating it last year. "All the wording has
  
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• Sharapova withdraws from Indian Wells with arm injury

  03-03-2016 19:41
  (Reuters) - Former world number one Maria Sharapova has withdrawn from this month's BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells in California due to a persistent arm injury, the Russian said on Thursday in a statement from tournament organisers. The five-times grand slam champion has been troubled by her left forearm since the start of the year when she pulled out of an Australian Open warm-up tournament in Brisbane. Sharapova lost to Serena Williams in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open in January
  
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• West Ham leaving Upton Park brings a tear to the eye... and who needs Shaquille O’Neal when Barnet have Timmy Mallett?

  03-03-2016 19:40 via dailymail.co.uk
  
  Martin 'Mad Dog' Allen returns with his latest column for Sportsmail . This week the Barnet manager discusses why Bill Shankly was wrong to claim football is more than life and death.
  
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