Ben Spratt | Sporting News

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Ireland clinch series in Australia

A scrappy encounter between Australia and Ireland in Sydney saw the visitors edge to victory and clinch the series.

Ben Spratt

Sri Lanka captain Dinesh Chandimal has appeal against ball-tampering ban rejected

Having been charged for changing the condition of the ball, Dinesh Chandimal's appeal against his one-match ban has been dismissed.

Ben Spratt

Novak Djokovic still hungry for more after reaching major milestone

Novak Djokovic joined an exclusive club on Friday, winning his 800th ATP Tour match in the sport he says, "I love with all my heart".

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Rivals open to Ricciardo talks

McLaren and Renault have both suggested they would be interested in signing Australian Daniel Ricciardo if he became available.

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England dominate Australia in Durham to close in on ODI series whitewash

Opener Jason Roy hit 101 off 83 deliveries as England eased past Australia's total of 310-8 to go 4-0 up in the ODI series.

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Novak Djokovic beats Grigor Dimitrov at Queen's as Nick Kyrgios lays down a marker

A pair of exciting second-round clashes at Queen's Club saw Novak Djokovic and Nick Kyrgios emerge victorious.

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'Fortunate' Roger Federer closes in on Halle title after win over Benoit Paire

Roger Federer is one of just two seeds left in the Gerry Weber Open at the quarter-final stage, having scraped through on Thursday.

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Federer through, Zverev out

There were contrasting results for two of the big names at the Gerry Weber Open, as Roger Federer progressed with ease.

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Kyrgios, Dimitrov, Djokovic through

Queen's Club welcomed back home favourite Andy Murray, but he could not join Grigor Dimitrov and Novak Djokovic in the second round.

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Federer wins Stuttgart Open

Roger Federer capped a fine return to action by winning the Stuttgart Open ahead of reclaiming the world number one spot on Monday.

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Federer back on top of rankings

Roger Federer came from behind to defeat an impressive Nick Kyrgios and reclaim his place at the top of the world rankings, along with a spot in the Stuttgart Open final.

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West Indies v Sri Lanka delayed

Controversy over the state of the ball caused the start of day three in the second Test between West Indies and Sri Lanka to be delayed for around two hours.

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David Warner replaces D'Arcy Short in Caribbean Premier League

Having already agreed to feature for numerous other sides this year, the suspended David Warner will also turn out for the St Lucia Stars.

Ben Spratt

All Blacks cruise past France again as Benjamin Fall sees red

A yellow card was France's undoing in the first Test with New Zealand, and Benjamin Fall's red card proved costly in the second.

Ben Spratt

Report: Egypt 0 Uruguay 1

Jose Gimenez spared the blushes of Uruguay's all-star forwards with a 90th-minute winner to see off Egypt 1-0 in their World Cup opener.

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Barty breezes through in Nottingham

Top seed Ashleigh Barty booked her place in the quarter-finals of the Nottingham Open while countrywoman Sam Stosur was dispatched from the tournament by a British wildcard.

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Kyrgios makes winning Tour return

Nick Kyrgios enjoyed a winning return to singles action on the ATP Tour at the Stuttgart Open on Friday morning (AEST).

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England v Australia ODI tour: Australia must 'enjoy' jibes from Oval crowd, says Tim Paine

Spectators at The Oval are unlikely to let Australia's visit pass without mention of the ball-tampering scandal, Tim Paine acknowledges.

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Hooper 'stoked' with Wallabies win

Michael Hooper was delighted with the way the Wallabies executed their game plan as they beat Ireland 18-9 in Brisbane on Saturday.

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Schmidt confident of competing

Joe Schmidt felt Ireland were "pretty close" to getting a result in the first Test with Australia, where Israel Folau stood out as a key man.

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Thiem: I have a plan for Nadal

Dominic Thiem says he has a plan to beat Rafael Nadal when he faces the reigning champion in the French Open final.

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Wallabies coach Michael Cheika believes Ireland are expecting series whitewash

Michael Cheika is confident Australia can beat Ireland, even if he believes the Six Nations champions will back themselves for a series whitewash.

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Ireland expecting 'huge battle'

Skipper Peter O'Mahony believes Ireland must win the battle with Australia's back row if they are to triumph in Saturday's series opener.

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Thiem books first grand slam final

Dominic Thiem reached the French Open final at the third time of asking, potentially setting up a crunch clash with Rafael Nadal.

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Del Potro ends wait for semi-final

Juan Martin del Potro reached his first French Open semi-final in nine years with a 7-6 (7-5) 5-7 6-3 7-5 victory over Marin Cilic, setting up a meeting with Rafael Nadal.

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There is no room for error - James

LeBron James compared the Golden State Warriors to the NFL's New England Patriots after his Cleveland Cavaliers fell 3-0 behind in the NBA Finals.

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Durant keen to create more moments

Kevin Durant refused to label his match-winning game-three performance for the Golden State Warriors as his career's 'defining moment', as he plans to create more.

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Smith 'spent four days in tears'

The aftermath of Australia's ball-tampering scandal left captain Steve Smith in tears for four days, he has revealed.

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Banned duo in tournament draft

Suspended Australia stars Steve Smith and David Warner have both been drafted for the Global T20 Canada tournament ahead of their return to competitive action.

Ben Spratt

Crusaders extend winning run

Israel Folau scored a double as the Waratahs outgunned the Reds 52-41 to reclaim top spot in the Australian Conference on Saturday.

Ben Spratt

Memorial Tournament: Tiger Woods wants putting improvement to land Tour win

Tiger Woods was let down by his putting on Friday, he felt, despite a 67 that brought him into contention at the Memorial Tournament.

Ben Spratt

Webber favours Formula E

Formula One may be the dominant championship in four-wheel motorsport, but Mark Webber prefers the more "competitive" Formula E.

Ben Spratt

Djokovic upturn continues in Paris

Novak Djokovic continued his clay court-season resurgence with another straight-sets win at the French Open, defeating Jaume Munar 7-6 (7-1) 6-4 6-4.

Ben Spratt

De Villiers tributes led by Du Plessis, Kallis and Tendulkar

AB de Villiers called time on his illustrious international career on Wednesday, prompting tributes from a number of leading figures.

Ben Spratt

Root trusts batting game to 'click'

England captain Joe Root has been disappointed with his recent form, but he trusts that his fortunes will soon change.

Ben Spratt

LeBron wows with game three passing

LeBron James was in no mood to play down his own performance after a match-winning display for the Cleveland Cavaliers in game three against the Boston Celtics.

Ben Spratt

Nadal edges out Djokovic in Rome

Rafael Nadal edged closer to reclaiming the world number one spot and the Internazionali d'Italia title with a thrilling 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 semi-final defeat of Novak Djokovic.

Ben Spratt

Serena among Royal Wedding guests

Serena Williams and David Beckham were among a number of sports stars at Saturday's Royal Wedding to celebrate Prince Harry's marriage to Meghan Markle.

Ben Spratt

Nadal returns to winning ways

Rafael Nadal got his clay season back on track with a 6-1 6-0 second-round demolition of Damir Dzumhur at the Internazionali d'Italia.

Ben Spratt

Smart furious with Smith foul

Boston Celtics' Marcus Smart described JR Smith as "like a bully" after the Cleveland Cavaliers guard's flagrant foul on Al Horford in game two of the Eastern Conference finals.

Ben Spratt

'Selfish' India need to play day-night Tests - Mark Waugh

Test cricket is struggling, says Mark Waugh, and India need to agree to day-night matches.

Ben Spratt

Chris Paul: Warriors 'made us pay' for mistakes in Game 1

The Warriors' ruthless ability to prey on the Rockets' errors was key to Golden State's Game 1 win, James Harden and Chris Paul say.

Ben Spratt

Ireland's Test cricket debut falls short as nervy Pakistan claim victory

Pakistan survived a scare to hold off a promising Ireland performance in their Test bow, winning by five wickets.

Ben Spratt

Woods on the move at Sawgrass

Tiger Woods is enjoying a scintillating third round at The Players Championship, going six under par through the front nine after just making the cut.

Ben Spratt

Day's strong finish seals Wells Fargo win

Unlikely challenger Aaron Wise fell short of a first PGA Tour title win as Jason Day held on at the Wells Fargo Championship on Sunday.

Ben Spratt

Woods, Mickelson and Fowler grouped

Former champions Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Rickie Fowler will tee off together at The Players Championship after the PGA Tour announced two featured groups.

Ben Spratt

Hearn to make offer to Wilder

Anthony Joshua's promoter has again hit out at Deontay Wilder for backing out of meetings and failing to offer proof of funds.

Ben Spratt

Brown doubtful for Game 1 vs. 76ers

The Boston Celtics hope to have Jaylen Brown available for their next NBA playoff game after he suffered a hamstring injury.

Ben Spratt

Nadal enjoying his tennis

Rafael Nadal is trying to enjoy the moment after winning an 11th Monte Carlo Masters title on Monday morning (AEST).

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RCB beat Delhi by six wickets

Royal Challengers Bangalore won for the second time in the 2018 IPL as AB de Villiers starred in a six-wicket defeat of Delhi Daredevils.

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Wenger one of the best - Ferguson

Manchester United legend Alex Ferguson described Arsene Wenger as "a rival, a colleague and a friend" in a glowing tribute after the Frenchman announced that he is to leave Arsenal at the end of the season.

Ben Spratt

Fabregas, RvP lead Wenger tributes

Two of Arsene Wenger's best signings, Cesc Fabregas and Robin van Persie, have paid tribute to the departing Arsenal boss.

Ben Spratt

ECB announces 100-ball format

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced its plans for the new domestic competition starting in 2020 to use an innovative 100-ball format.

Ben Spratt

Thiem edges out Djokovic

Dominic Thiem rallied from a set down to send Novak Djokovic packing at the Monte Carlo Masters, progressing to the quarter-finals with 6-7 (2-7) 6-2 6-3 win.

Ben Spratt

Bobo ends regular season in form

Sydney FC cruised through their final A-League match of the regular season, beating Melbourne Victory with a goal from in-form Bobo.

Ben Spratt

Boxing era needs Wilder fight - AJ

IBF, WBA and WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua is desperate for a unification fight with WBC title-holder Deontay Wilder.

Ben Spratt

Thompson misses out on medal

There was controversy in the men's 200m as England's Zharnel Hughes won the race before being disqualified for stepping outside of his lane as Usain Bolt watched from the stands on Thursday.

Ben Spratt

Australia struggled with scandal

Glenn Maxwell says it was tough for Australia to focus on the end of their tour of South Africa, having seen their team-mates "treated like criminals" following the ball-tampering fiasco.

Ben Spratt

Report: Roma 3 Barca 0 (4-4 agg)

A stunning 3-0 victory at Stadio Olimpico sent Roma through to the Champions League last four on away goals at Barcelona's expense.

Ben Spratt

Victory book home finals draw

Substitute Kenny Athiu secured Melbourne Victory a home A-League elimination final in a late win against Wellington Phoenix, while Bobo broke another record in Sydney FC's defeat of Adelaide United.

Ben Spratt

David Warner's absence will have 'very little' impact for Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad are not concerned that they are without David Warner following his involvement in Australia's ball-tampering scandal.

Ben Spratt

Kagiso Rabada to miss Indian Premier League with back injury

Kagiso Rabada is set for up to three months out, with South Africa demanding he rest for a month and miss the Indian Premier League.

Ben Spratt

You will strip nothing - McGregor

Conor McGregor has told the UFC they will not take the lightweight title away from him in a foul-mouthed Twitter post.

Ben Spratt

Gold Coast 2018: Day one review

Hosts Australia claimed 15 medals on the opening day of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, but the action was not without shocks and drama.

Ben Spratt

Report: Barcelona 4 Roma 1

Barcelona look set for the last four of the Champions League after Luis Suarez capped a comfortable home win against Roma.

Ben Spratt

Faf du Plessis delighted with South Africa's 'remarkable' series fightback

Faf du Plessis was delighted with the way South Africa came from behind to beat Australia in their Test series, playing "amazing" cricket.

Ben Spratt

Paine rues 'challenging' series

Tim Paine saw the mental after-effects of Australia's ball-tampering scandal in their Test series defeat to South Africa.

Ben Spratt

Australia v South Africa: Rampant Vernon Philander seals series

South Africa obliterated Australia on the final day of the fourth Test, Vernon Philander taking six wickets to secure the series.

Ben Spratt

Faf du Plessis aims to use Australia's ball tampering drama to South Africa's advantage

After taking a 2-1 series lead, South Africa will look to press on and clinch victory against stuttering Australia in the final Test.

Ben Spratt

Stuart Broad questions thought process behind Australia's ball-tampering

Australia's decision to alter an effective bowling method surprised Stuart Broad, who was surprised by Darren Lehmann's crowd complaints.

Ben Spratt

South Africa win by 322 runs

Australia crumbled to a 322-run defeat in the third Test with South Africa as the tourists struggled to move on from their ball-tampering shame in Cape Town.

Ben Spratt

Red Bull's Ricciardo optimistic

Daniel Ricciardo believes Red Bull showed they can match Ferrari's pace at the Australian Grand Prix, even if a grid penalty kept him from reaching the podium.

Ben Spratt

SA limited to 266-8 on day one

South Africa collapsed late on the first day of the third Test, as Pat Cummins helped Australia limit the Proteas to 8-266 despite Dean Elgar's century.

Ben Spratt

Kagiso Rabada reported again for David Warner send-off

Kagiso Rabada has again been reported for a send-off - this time aimed at David Warner - as the South Africa bowler risks suspension.

Ben Spratt

Proteas trail Aussies by 204 runs

Kagiso Rabada put South Africa in a commanding position on the opening day of the second Test after Australia opener David Warner hit a solid 63 to put the Quinton de Kock controversy behind him.

Ben Spratt

Red Bull have 'plenty of options'

Team principal Christian Horner claims Red Bull have "plenty of options" as they wait for a decision from Daniel Ricciardo on his long-term future.

Ben Spratt

Serena: My story wasn't over

Serena Williams says she never considered calling time on her tennis career as she aims to enjoy playing without pressure at Indian Wells.

Ben Spratt

Smith expects tough second Test

Australia captain Steve Smith is expecting a strong South Africa response after they were beaten by 118 runs in the controversial first Test in Durban.

Ben Spratt

Proteas could target Warner

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis says his side could target David Warner with the aim of getting the Australian suspended in the second Test.

Ben Spratt

Serena calls for equality in tennis

Serena Williams believes tennis organisers need to pay women more respect and give them more time on show courts as she prepares to make her return at Indian Wells.

Ben Spratt

Short never doubted huge chase

D'Arcy Short was always confident Australia's batsmen could reel in New Zealand in their Twenty20 international on Friday, despite requiring a record-breaking chase to win.

Ben Spratt

Shiffrin beaten to slalom podium

Mikaela Shiffrin fell short of collecting a second Olympic gold medal in two days, but Dario Cologna added to his tally to the delight of fellow Swiss great Roger Federer.

Ben Spratt

Slater's shoulder 'settled down'

Billy Slater claims his shoulder has "settled down" after the legendary full-back gave Melbourne Storm a major scare in their World Club Challenge victory over Leeds Rhinos.

Ben Spratt

Warner: 240 might not be enough

Australia's record-breaking Twenty20 international run chase has given captain David Warner plenty to think about ahead of the tri-series final, as a huge score may not be enough for victory.

Ben Spratt

Djokovic backing Chung to kick on

World number 58 Hyeon Chung has the potential to become one of the best players in the world, according to Novak Djokovic.

Ben Spratt

I had pain everywhere - Halep determined to battle injury

An ankle injury continues to trouble Simona Halep, but she is determined and confident going into the Australian Open quarter-finals.

Ben Spratt

Turner fifty gets Scorchers home

Reigning Big Bash League champions Perth Scorchers all but secured a home semi-final with a five-wicket win over Hobart Hurricanes on Saturday.

Ben Spratt

Sharapova hoping to kick on

Maria Sharapova is relieved to have come through the Australian Open fit and healthy and now hopes to kick on following her disappointing fourth-round defeat to Angelique Kerber.

Ben Spratt

McGregor will 'blow through boxing money' instead of UFC return, claims Woodley

Spending money and featuring in films will be more attractive to Conor McGregor than a UFC return, according to Tyron Woodley.

Ben Spratt

Griezmann falls to 18th in vote

Antoine Griezmann has tumbled from the top three to 18th place in this year's Ballon d'Or voting, while Edinson Cavani and Kevin de Bruyne missed out on the top 10.

Ben Spratt

Federer secures Laver Cup victory

With Rafael Nadal beaten earlier in the day, Roger Federer came to Europe's rescue to win the inaugural Laver Cup.

Ben Spratt

Embarrassed Montpellier apologise for shocking shirt-printing error

With Montpellier supporters noticing the misspelling of their side's name on their new Nike kit, the club have apologised.

Ben Spratt

Lyon: Australia not panicking after difficult day one

After a mixed day for Australia and Nathan Lyon, the spinner insists there is no need to panic just yet in the Test against Bangladesh.

Ben Spratt

Usain Bolt offered burgers and beer to join Portuguese football club

While Usain Bolt's elite athletics career is over after the IAAF World Championships, football club Beira-Mar have made a tempting offer.

Ben Spratt

Liverpool hand Hoffenheim rare home loss in UCL play-off

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored as Liverpool earned a fine 2-1 first-leg win at Hoffenheim in Champions League qualifying.

Ben Spratt

WATCH: Socceroos stumble again in World Cup qualifying

Mathew Leckie's first-half goal was not enough to secure Australia a much-needed victory as Iraq earned a share of the spoils in a tense World Cup qualifier in Tehran.

Ben Spratt

Russian MP: Football hooliganism should be a national sport

Following criticism of Russia supporters' conduct at Euro 2016, an MP has suggested that "fan battles" should become a sport.

Ben Spratt

Leicester should have to play without a manager, blasts Mihajlovic

With Claudio Ranieri leaving Leicester - amid rumours of the players' involvement - Sinisa Mihajlovic says they should go without a manager.

Ben Spratt

Federer coasts past Gasquet

Roger Federer got back to winning ways with a comfortable 6-1 6-4 victory over Richard Gasquet in the Hopman Cup on Friday.

Ben Spratt

Michael Cheika blames the referees for Wallabies defeat

Having seen Australia's grand slam hopes come to an end in Ireland, Michael Cheika blasted the referee's performance.

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Leicester targeting 40 points again, says Ranieri

Despite an incredible Premier League title success last season, Claudio Ranieri claims Leicester are again focused on securing their safety.

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Zlatan likens Manchester United move to Mayweather v Pacquaio

After his move to Manchester United was confirmed on Friday, Zlatan Ibrahimovic insisted it was an easy decision to make.

Ben Spratt

Tyson Fury knows who he wants after Klitschko

Tyson Fury is eyeing a future showdown with domestic rival Anthony Joshua if both men come through their next fights, according to uncle and trainer Peter.

Ben Spratt

John Terry picks seven Leicester players in his team-of-the-year

John Terry has shown off his PFA Team of the Year selection on Instagram, selecting seven Leicester City players.

Ben Spratt

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