Tag Archives: audiences

Ronaldo fed up of being compared to Lionel Messi

Posted on by

Ronaldo fed up with being compared to Messi as battle for Balon d'Or heats up

|

UPDATED:

13:59 GMT, 6 November 2012

Cristiano Ronaldo admits he is growing tired of comparisons with Lionel Messi and believes the race for the Balon d'Or is wide open.

The La Liga pair, whose feats for Real Madrid and Barcelona continue to wow the football world, are widely considered to be in a head-to-head battle for the prestigious award.

Both are on a 23-man shortlist compiled by FIFA's football committee and experts from France Football magazine.

A little less conversation: Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) talks to Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho

A little less conversation: Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) talks to Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho

Messi mania: Barcelona superstar arrives at their team hotel in Glasgow ahead of Wednesday's clash against Celtic

Messi mania: Barcelona superstar arrives at their team hotel in Glasgow ahead of Wednesday's clash against Celtic

When asked who he expected to win the award, Ronaldo played down the supposed rivalry with Messi and suggested there were plenty of potential recipients.

'(The rivalry) is a question of the media,' he told France Football.

'We constantly face it to sell more papers and improve television audiences.

'The truth is I'm a little tired of it. It's a little heavy but I'm used to it. I don't like to compare myself with others.

A little less conversation: Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) talks to Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho

A little less conversation: Cristiano Ronaldo (centre) talks to Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho

Fierce rival: Barcelona's Lionel Messi (left) is also in contention for the Balon d'Or

Fierce rival: Barcelona's Lionel Messi (left) is also in contention for the Balon d'Or

'Messi and I are different, that's for sure.

'I respect him a lot.

'Messi can win (the Balon d'Or) but so can Xavi or Iniesta. And we cannot forget (Didier) Drogba or Falcao. They can also receive the trophy.'

The award, which is voted for by international managers and captains, as well as selected journalists, will be cut to a shortlist of three before a winner is named on January 7.

Trophy laden: Messi with the the European Golden Boot 2012 award

Trophy laden: Messi with the the European Golden Boot 2012 award

BBC hope for more Wimbledon night matches after viewing figures soar over summer

Posted on by

BBC hope for more Wimbledon night matches after viewing figures soar over summer

|

UPDATED:

10:08 GMT, 27 September 2012

BBC’s head of sport, Barbara Slater, hopes to put on a greater number of night matches at Wimbledon after the corporation’s viewing figures skyrocketed during the later games this summer.

With the heavy rain this summer, the roof on centre court was deployed more than ever, and a number of matches were delayed until the later stages of the day.

Among the evening matches were Rafa Nadal’s shock defeat to Lukas Rosol and Andy Murray’s third round win over Marcos Baghdatis.

More of the same Eight million people tuned in to watch Andy Murray beat Marcos Baghdatis under the roof on centre court

More of the same Eight million people tuned in to watch Andy Murray beat Marcos Baghdatis under the roof on centre court

More of the same Eight million people tuned in to watch Andy Murray beat Marcos Baghdatis under the roof on centre court

Murray beat the Cypriot on the first Saturday of the tournament just before the clock struck 11pm – Merton Council’s agreed curfew – with an incredible eight million people tuned in to watch the Scot progress

Slater is keen to get more night matches in future tournaments to match the high viewing figures.

She told The Telegraph: ‘Inevitably, when play moves into the peak evening, audiences are higher.’

‘It’s safe to say that of course we as a broadcaster would love more tennis, and for that tennis to extend, but we are very aware there are constraints on the club.’

Among those constraints is the fact that when the roof was first built, it was given permission under the proviso that it would be used as an emergency incurred by bad weather, not as a means to keep the show going into the night.

A Wimbledon spokesman said: ‘At this stage there are no plans.’

Blockbuster: Millions tuned in to watch Lukas Rosol knock out Rafael Nadal (above)

Blockbuster: Millions tuned in to watch Lukas Rosol knock out Rafael Nadal (above)

LONDON OLYMPICS 2012: Lazaro Borges sees pole snap

Posted on by

Snap! Drama in the Olympic Stadium as Borges sees his pole break in two pieces

|

UPDATED:

11:04 GMT, 8 August 2012

The Olympic Games didn't work out as planned for Cuba's Lazaro Borges on Wednesday morning.

Qualifying for the men's pole vault was fairly non-dramatic until Borges stepped up to the plate.

Larzaro Borges

There were gasps in the Olympic Stadium as Borges' pole snapped.

Thankfully, the athlete didn't appear to be hurt, as the incident was replayed time and time again for television audiences.

Larzaro Borges

For some of us, the mind wandered
back 24 years to the Seoul Olympics, when the same thing happened to
Britain's Daley Thompson in the decathlon.

Well, they do say that news repeats itself at the Games.

Larzaro Borges

Carl Froch delays Lucian Bute rematch for home IBF title defence

Posted on by

Froch eyes home title defence in November after pushing back Bute rematch

|

UPDATED:

19:35 GMT, 5 July 2012

Carl Froch has delayed his rematch with Lucian Bute in order to accommodate a home defence of his IBF super-middleweight title.

The 34-year-old produced one of the finest performances of 2012 to stop Canada-based Bute in the fifth round in Nottingham, but the Montreal rematch that was written into the pre-fight contracts will not now take place until March 2013.

Froch intends to fight again in the UK in November, though an opponent and venue has not yet been named.

Destructive: Carl Froch (left) beat Lucian Bute in Nottingham earlier this year

Destructive: Carl Froch (left) beat Lucian Bute in Nottingham earlier this year

Eddie Hearn, Froch’s promoter, said:
‘Froch vs Bute has already gone down as one of the greatest nights in
British boxing history. It generated record television audiences and a
sold-out arena where fans were treated to what many respected pundits
and fighters have described as one of the best atmospheres ever felt in a
British fight.

‘Of course, like any fighter Lucian is
keen to avenge this defeat and as per our agreement has the opportunity
to try to make that happen.

‘Both myself and Lucian’s promoter
Jean Bedard feel that it is the best interests of both fighters and any
future rematch that both fighters will take an interim fight later this
year. Froch vs Bute II in Montreal is a massive event and I’m sure that
impressive victories for both men later this year will add further fuel
to the fire.’

Bute added: ‘That was not the real
Lucian Bute in that Nottingham ring on May 26. I spent the last few
weeks reflecting about what went wrong, what happened, and the only
thing that is crystal clear in my mind is that I want my rematch with
Carl Froch as soon as possible.’

Alastair Cook ready for Australia ODIs

Posted on by

Captain Cook ready to turn up the heat on the Aussies ahead of ODI series

|

UPDATED:

21:59 GMT, 25 June 2012

Alastair Cook will on Tuesday take an early chance to reacquaint himself with the Australia side who became sick of the sight of him during the last Ashes.

The England one-day captain plays for Essex against an Aussie team who are here for a series of five one-day matches squeezed into the middle of another hectic summer.

Cooking with gas: The England captain leads his side against the Aussies

Cooking with gas: The England captain leads his side against the Aussies

England squad to face Aussies

AN Cook (capt), JM Anderson, JM Bairstow, IR Bell, RS Bopara, TT Bresnan, SCJ Broad, JW Dernbach, ST Finn, C Kieswetter, EJG Morgan, SR Patel, GP Swann, IJL Trott.

Cook, who scored 766 runs in his
triumphant Australian summer when England won the Ashes 3-1 Down Under,
wants to take a look at the old enemy’s attack ahead of Friday’s first
ODI at Lord’s. Ravi Bopara will join Cook in the tour match at
Chelmsford to bring back memories of the huge partnership the pair made
against Australia for their county during the fabled 2005 season.

England, who are unbeaten in six home
one-day series, have named a 14 unchanged from the original group who
beat West Indies 2-0. The players added to England’s squad for the
washed-out final 50-over match against West Indies — Stuart Meaker,
James Tredwell and Chris Woakes — were released in favour of the big
guns.

‘Playing against the No 1 ranked team
is an excellent test for us as we try to keep on steadily improving
ahead of the Champions Trophy next year and the 2015 World Cup,’ said
national selector Geoff Miller.

Old foe: Brett Lee is back on these shores to face England

Old foe: Brett Lee is back on these shores to face England

This series, which is another step
towards overkill and the erosion of the greatest rivalry in cricket,
allows English audiences to take a look at Australia’s new great pace
hopes, Pat Cummins and James Pattinson, ahead of next year’s Ashes.

There are also some familiar faces in Michael Clarke, Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson.

Australia plan to field their first-choice team in Tuesday’s day-night game ahead of the start of the NatWest Series.

‘England will be formidable
opposition in their conditions but we feel like we have got our one-day
side going in the right direction,’ said Australia coach Mickey Arthur.

‘Our guys know where they stand and they are ready to take the baton on.’

The Football League Show to continue on BBC

Posted on by

Football League Show to continue as BBC agree new three-year deal

|

UPDATED:

09:59 GMT, 21 May 2012

BBC Sport have agreed a deal which will see The Football League Show run for another three seasons, taking it into its sixth year.

The programme debuted in the 2009-10 season and it will continue to be aired on BBC1 despite fears earlier this season that it would be axed.

The only way is up: Reading celebrate winning the Championship

The only way is up: Reading celebrate winning the Championship

Football League blog

It will continue to run in its current hour-long Saturday night slot, featuring goals, highlights and reaction from the Championship, League One and League Two.

Football League chief commercial officer Richard Heaselgrave said: 'In a short period of time The Football League Show has become an institution amongst supporters of our 72 clubs, more than a million of whom tune in every week for the comprehensive coverage the show delivers.

'We are therefore delighted that it will be continuing for a further three seasons.'

Late drama: West Ham won the Championship play-off final

Late drama: West Ham won the Championship play-off final

BBC director of sport Barbara Slater added: 'Football is a core part of our sports rights portfolio and BBC Sport is delighted to be continuing our relationship with the Football League, bringing games to our audiences on both TV and radio.'

BBC Sport will also continue to show League Cup and Johnstone's Paint Trophy highlights while 5 Live and 5 Live Sports Extra will have non-exclusive rights to all npower Football League, League Cup and Play-Off matches.

Rugby needs Super Sundays like Premier League, says Saracens Chief executive

Posted on by

Call for rugby's own 'Super Sundays' to maximise TV and fan exposure

|

UPDATED:

21:11 GMT, 1 April 2012

Saracen's chief executive Edward Griffiths has called on Premiership Rugby organisers to copy the model of football's Premier League Super Sundays to grow the domestic game.

A club record crowd of 83,761 packed into Wembley to watch the top two clubs in the Aviva Premiership go head to head in an enthralling contest that saw Harlequins win 24-19 despite twice being reduced to 13 men.

Griffiths believes the domestic calendar should be reshaped to attract bigger television audiences and bigger stadium attendances.

Full house: There were few empty seats at Wembley to watch Quins v Sarries

Full house: There were few empty seats at Wembley to watch Quins v Sarries

'We have been pushing a lot for the Premiership to put its best fixtures in the best positions,' he said.

'Football manages to get these Super Sundays with Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool all playing on the same day.

'Our last four league matches against Leicester have all been in international windows. I just think it makes sense to put your big games at the big times of the year. It is quite a novel idea that someone in our group should start addressing.

'If Quins versus Saracens at Christmas and Saracens and Harlequins in March become annual events, I am sure we will get this type of crowd every year.'

Other negotiations are just as pressing. Andy Farrell was temporarily back in his club shirt on Saturday but the club will meet RFU officials on Monday to negotiate details of his full-time move to join Stuart Lancaster's coaching team at Twickenham.

Razzle dazzle: There was entertainment from McFly (below) and dancers (above)

Razzle dazzle: There was entertainment from McFly (below) and dancers (above)

Razzle dazzle: There was entertainment from McFly (above) and dancers (below)

The club are eager for a quick resolution to ensure the sideshow does not affect preparations for their home Heineken Cup quarter-final against Clermont on Sunday.

Already this season, nearly 166,000 people have watched the two meetings between these sides, after the Big Game at Twickenham at Christmas and this Easter spectacular at Wembley.

But the bumper crowds mask a more consistent problem of poor attendance at Vicarage Road.

However, with a new stadium at Copthall finally ratified by the local council, the future of the club is looking bright.

'We are moving ahead and, all going well, we will be starting to build soon and hopefully to move at some time next season,' said Griffiths.

'We want to fill Copthall every week and get 70,000, 80,000 or 90,000 here at Wembley two or three times a year.'

All action: Premiership clubs should make the most of the high-profile matches

All action: Premiership clubs should make the most of the high-profile matches

Sporting Lisbon have nothing to fear from Manchester City, warns keeper Patricio

Posted on by

Sporting Lisbon have nothing to fear from Manchester City, warns keeper Patricio

Goalkeeper Rui Patricio has warned Manchester City to underestimate Sporting Lisbon at their peril.

The Barclays Premier League leaders are favourites to win their Europa League last-16 tie with the Portuguese side having crushed the country's champions Porto 6-1 in the previous round.

Fourth-placed Sporting trail Porto by 14 points in the Portuguese league and head into the first leg against City at their Jose Alvalade Stadium tomorrow after a shock loss at struggling Setubal last weekend.

But the highly-rated Patricio, who was linked with Manchester United last year, is confident Sporting have the armoury to catch a City side who may be unfamiliar with them by surprise.

Too hot to handle: Patricio clears his lines during Sporting's 3-2 aggregate win over Legia Warsaw

Too hot to handle: Patricio clears his lines during Sporting's 3-2 aggregate win over Legia Warsaw

The 24-year-old said: 'I don't care whether they know Sporting's players or not – they will get to know them tomorrow. We have no fear. It is 11 against 11 and anything can happen.

'It will be a tough game, City are a very strong team. But we are playing at home, we will be united and will fight for victory until the end.

'We know what went wrong against Setubal and we won't be affected by that. We are professionals, we are an excellent team with quality players.

'We are very united and with grit and ambition I am sure we will be able to beat Manchester City.'

The game could offer Patricio the chance to impress English audiences ahead of a possible move to the Premier League but he insists that is of no concern now.

He said: 'The most important thing now is Sporting. We have to think about Sporting and only tomorrow night's match.'

Dangerous: Matias Fernandez (right) hit the only goal of the game in the second leg against Legia Warsaw

Dangerous: Matias Fernandez (right) hit the only goal of the game in the second leg against Legia Warsaw

Coach Ricardo Sa Pinto is equally bullish about his side's prospects against the Premier League leaders.

The Lions had won their previous three games prior to the Setubal loss, including a decisive second leg victory over Legia Warsaw in the previous round.

The former Portugal forward claims to have done his homework on City and is not fazed by their formidable form this season.

He said: 'I know the opponents well. Manchester City are a strong team, they are first in the Premier League – most goals scored, least goals conceded, very strong players in all areas.

'But Sporting are at home, we have no fear. We will be serious and focused and will play our game.

'We also have quality players, internationals. We will overcome. No team is always at 100 per cent in all matches. Manchester City don't have many weaknesses but anything can happen tomorrow.

'We will take advantage of any opportunity we get and if we fulfil our strategy I expect to get a positive result.'