Great Britain's Davis Cup quarter-final with Italy to be held in Naples

Great Britain's Davis Cup quarter-final against Italy will take place on clay in Naples.

Leon Smith's team reached the last eight for the first time in 28 years when they beat the United States at the beginning of February.

Sochi 2014: William Frullani and German fail drugs tests

Italian bobsleigh brakeman William Frullani and an unnamed German biathlete have failed drugs tests at the Sochi Winter Olympics.

Padraig Harrington reveals he has had skin cancer treatment

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington has revealed that he has undergone treatment for skin cancer.

Harrington, whose father Patrick died from cancer, underwent surgery for "sun spots" on his face and decided to speak out in a bid to raise awareness.

"I've had a number of skin cancers removed off my face," the 42-year-old Dubliner told Irish radio station Today FM's Last Word programme.

"When you get a symptom, don't ignore it. Do something about it."

Harrington withdrew from the 2005 Open at St Andrews after the death of his father from oesophageal cancer on the eve of the event.

Padraig Harrington factfile

• Born 31 August 1971
• Played in Walker Cup 1991, '93 and '95
• Turned professional late 1995
• Won 1996 Spanish Open in first year on European Tour
• European Order of Merit winner 2006
• Beat Sergio Garcia in play-off to win 2007 Open
• Retained Open in 2008 and won USPGA title a month later
• Played in sixth European Ryder Cup team in 2010
• Without a European or PGA Tour win since 2008 USPGA victory

The two-times Open champion added: "My father had symptoms but didn't do anything about it. It's the nature of men in Ireland and certainly older men.

"I would be much more inclined to go and do something about it.

"Dealing with cancer is not what it was 10 years ago. Instead of just one treatment they are now looking at combining different types of treatment of dealing with oesophageal cancer.

"It is easier to clear these things up at the start rather than waiting until there is a problem. You can get treated and go on to live a much longer life."

Harrington won three majors in the space of 13 months between July 2007 and August 2008, achieving consecutive Open triumphs and also clinching the USPGA title.

Wayne Rooney: Man Utd striker agrees new £300k per week deal

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has agreed a new five-and-a-half year contract worth up to £300,000 a week.

The 28-year-old England international will extend his current contract by four years, tying him to the club until June 2019.

Ejike Uzoenyi excited to join Mamelodi Sundowns

 

The 24-year-old Nigeria international, who was named 2014 CHAN most valuable player has expressed his delight after completing a move to 'The Brazilians'

New Mamelodi Sundowns signee Ejike Uzoenyi has expressed excitement at joining up with the South African Premier League club on a four-year contract.
The Nigeria international had earlier rejected a move to team up with Romanian club FC Vaslui that offered him a deal worth €600,000.
Speaking about the deal, Uzoenyi said he was delighted to have joined the South African outfit describing the Brazilians as a "great deal".
“Joining a club like Sundowns is a great deal for me because their ambitions to conquer Africa are in line with my career objectives as a player,” he told the club's official website.
“The other thing that made me join the club is that Coach Pitso had a chat with me before I joined and we had a discussion about his plans for me and I feel that I’m ready for the challenge,” he concluded.
Uzoenyi is expected to join his new teammates in June.
After scoring three goals and being named best player at the CHAN, he is expected to be in the Super Eagles squad to Brazil for the World Cup.

From Les Corts to the courts: the Neymar case and what it means for Barcelona

The case continues. When Sandro Rosell stepped down as president of Barcelona and new man Josep Maria Bartomeu publically revealed the details of Neymar's troublesome transfer from Santos last year, it briefly looked like all would die down at Camp Nou. Far from it.

Bayern are Champions League favourites, admits Martino

Barcelona coach Gerardo Martino says Bayern Munich are the favourites to win the Champions League this season following their fine performances in the past few months.

Bayern skipper Philipp Lahm already stated earlier this week that the Catalans are no longer the team to beat in Europe and Martino has conceded that the Bundesliga champions are the new benchmark.

Sochi 2014: Russia men fail to make ice hockey semis

Russia have been dumped out of the Olympic men's ice hockey tournament following a 3-1 defeat by Finland at the quarter-finals stage.

David Luiz: We must win World Cup

 

The five-time world champions are yet to claim the title on home soil after falling at the final hurdle to Uruguay in 1950 and the Chelsea defender believes it’s their turn to take the crown.

"We need to win the World Cup," he told the Daily Mail.

"I’m very excited. I think it will be a great World Cup for everyone, but for Brazilian people even more.

What Bright Dike's injury means to Nigeria's World Cup plans

Nigerians the world over woke up on Tuesday to the sad news that hulking striker Bright Dike had torn his Achilles tendon in a training session with club side Toronto FC. While the exact length of time he will be out is yet to be definitively determined, the prognosis is grim: four months at best till he can play football again.
He will almost certainly miss the World Cup.

Lahm fears 'punisher' Ozil

Mesut Ozil will "punish" Bayern Munich if the holders take the threat of Arsenal lightly in their Champions League last-16 clash, according to Philipp Lahm.

Bayern's weakness is defence, says Effenberg

Bayern Munich legend Stefan Effenberg believes Arsenal can trouble the reigning European champions if they deploy an attacking strategy in both legs of their Champions League clash.

Chicharito, Dos Santos in Mexico squad to face Nigeria

Mexico have called up eight Europe-based players to their squad for the friendly against Nigeria on March 5.

Sochi 2014: Putin visits skier Maria Komissarova in hospital

Russia president Vladimir Putin has visited Maria Komissarova in hospital after the freestyle skier fractured her spine in training on Saturday.

Camp renewed but Manchester City & Madrid will be true test of Martino's Barcelona

The Spanish champions produced their most complete display of the season to thrash Rayo Vallecano 6-0 ahead of far tougher examinations

COMMENTBy Ben Hayward | Spanish Football Writer

It was quite a performance. When Barcelona last played Rayo Vallecano, the Catalans conceded possession to a rival team for the first time in 317 games amid questions over their Tiki Taka philosophy. On Saturday, however, Gerardo Martino's men were simply sublime.

The Blaugrana passing philosophy looked very much intact in the Camp Nou clash. Lionel Messi scored two superb strikes, with Pedro, Alexis Sanchez, Adriano and Neymar all on target, the latter with a remarkable run and shot from distance to mark his comeback from injury in style. And assisting from midfeld, Andres Iniesta and Cesc Fabregas pulled the strings in what was the Catalans' most complete display of the season.

"We have to congratulate the whole  team," Adriano said afterwards. "We played a really good game - both in defence and attack."

Meanwhile, Martino added: "When these players enjoy themselves, they play better. It's the best message we could send to ourselves: playing this way, our chances [of success] increase and if you are going to choose a way to play, that's the way to play."

Just how much can truly be learned from a 6-0 win at home to one of the worst sides in La Liga, however, is unclear. Barca were superb, stunning, brilliant; breathtaking at times. But Rayo were and are pretty poor to say the least. The Madrid side sit second bottom and have now conceded 58 times in their 24 games, meaning theirs is the worst defensive record in the division. Indeed, the capital club even lost 5-0 at Malaga earlier this season - and Bernd Schuster's side are currently 16th in the Primera Division, just above the relegation zone.

TOUGH TESTS AHEAD FOR BARCA
Man. City (a)	Feb 18	UCL
Man. City (h)	Mar 12	UCL
Madrid (a)	Mar 22	Liga
Madrid (-)	Apr 19	Copa
Villarreal (a)	Apr 27	Liga
Atletico (h)	May 18	Liga

So Martino will be extremely encouraged by the result, the nature of the performance and the fabulous form of many of his players. Tougher tests await, however, and only those will determine exactly how good this team really are.

First up is Manchester City on Tuesday in the Champions League.

"We're in the best possible shape for meeting Manchester City - especially physically," Martino said. And Adriano added: "This win is a boost for our morale ahead of Tuesday's [first-leg] game."

No doubt. But Manuel Pellegrini's side statistically boast Europe's finest attack and, unlike Barca, have had the benefit of facing rivals of real quality on a consistent basis this term. And while not all of those fixtures have brought favourable results for the Premier League side, City have beaten Arsenal 6-3, Manchester United 4-1 and thrashed Tottenham twice: 6-0 at home and 5-1 away.

Spurs have had their troubles in 2013-14, but the North London side remain in contention for a place in the top four. And they are no Rayo Vallecano. Indeed, Iago Falque, who is on loan from Tottenham and considered one of Rayo's better players, was nowhere near the first team at White Hart Lane.

Time will tell, but City are unlikely to allow Barca the time and space enjoyed and exploited by the Catalans on Saturday night at a buoyant Camp Nou. Nor will Real Madrid in the two big Clasico clashes in March and April.

Barca beat Madrid in the sides' first Clasico of the season, at Camp Nou in October, but neither team impressed particularly in that match and Carlo Ancelotti's men were still very much finding their feet in those first few months under the Italian coach.

In the meantime, Barca have been unable to beat Atletico in the teams' three meetings so far this term - with all of those ending in draws.

So as brilliant as the performance was on Saturday, the true tests await. After the tie against City, Barca's next big game comes at Madrid in La Liga in late March, with a Clasico Copa del Rey final also in store in April at Mestalla and a possible title-decider at home to Atletico on the last day of the season.

Those games will tell us much about what this team are truly made of. A 6-0 win at home to Rayo Vallecano, however brilliant, does not.

PHOTOS: Inside Nigeria’s World Cup Base Camp

Located in the city of Campinas, the beautiful Vitoria Hotel Concept has been chosen by the Nigeria Football Federation as base camp for the Super Eagles during the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.
Their Group F opponents Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina have opted for Cidade do Galo in Belo Horizonte, Joaquim Grava and Guaraja both in Sao Paulo respectively.

Jesse Ryder: NZ drop batsman and Doug Bracewell for drinking

New Zealand have dropped Jesse Ryder and Doug Bracewell from their squad for the second Test against India for going on a late-night drinking session on the eve of the first Test.

Rory McIlroy to play at Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen in July

Rory McIlroy is to finalise his preparations for the Open Championship at Hoylake by playing in the Scottish Open at Royal Aberdeen in July.

The world number six previously competed in the tournament in 2008 and 2009 at Loch Lomond.

Yaya Toure: Manchester City midfielder awaits FA decision

Manchester City's Yaya Toure could face a three-game ban for appearing to kick out at Norwich's Ricky van Wolfswinkel.

Yobo craves Nigeria World Cup place

On-loan Norwich City defender Joseph Yobo has disclosed that he would like to be a part of the Nigeria squad to the 2014 Fifa World Cup.
Yobo has fallen out of the Eagles since his criticism of Stephen Keshi for leaving him out of the squad that faced Kenya in a World Cup qualifying game in 2013.

Messi is back in business

All eyes were on Lionel Messi. Had he really lost his passion for football? Barcelona's former assistant coach Angel Cappa had said so earlier this week following the Argentine's patchy performance in the 3-2 defeat to Valencia last weekend. But on a wet and windy night in Seville, Messi proved his enthusiasm for the game remains very much intact.

Things didn't start well. Messi dropped deep into midfield to look for the ball as Barcelona enjoyed the early possession but looked unlikley to do much with it.

South Africa keen to hire Keshi after World Cup

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi could be the next coach of Bafana Bafana, with the South African Football Association keen to hire a manager to improve the dwindling fortunes of its national team, Goal has learnt.

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger insists the Gunners can still win the title

The Gunners started the day as Premier League leaders but could have lost by more than the 5-1 scoreline at Anfield.

Wenger's team play Manchester United at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday.

Tiger Woods's niece Cheyenne wins Australian Masters

Cheyenne Woods, niece of 14-time major winner Tiger Woods, claimed the first major title of her career by winning the Australian Ladies Masters.

The 23-year-old American shot a final-round four-under-par 69 at Royal Pines on Sunday to finish on 16 under overall and win by two shots.

Cheyenne Woods at a glance

Born: 25 July 1990
Grew up: Phoenix, Arizona
• Graduated from Wake Forest University in North Carolina
• Her dad is Tiger Woods's older half-brother
• First picked up a golf club aged two
• Was guided by her grandfather, Tiger's father, during her junior career
• Won more than 30 tournaments as an amateur
• First professional win in Aug 2012 at LPGA International
• Wins Australian Ladies Masters on 9 Feb 2014, her first major title

Local amateur Minjee Lee finished second after also carding a 69.

"This is a huge accomplishment for me," said Woods, who finished with five birdies and a bogey.

"I've been pro for two years and, for the majority of it, people just think of me as Tiger Woods's niece so now I have a game of my own and I have a title now, a win, which is exciting.

"It's nice now to say to people that I can play and I'm not just a name.

"Growing up with the last name of Woods, there's a lot of expectations and pressure and spotlight on you but I always knew that I was able to win."

Woods won a minor event in the United States in 2012, but this was the biggest of her career so far and earned her a two-year exemption into Ladies European Tour events.

"I always knew I'd be able to compete with these ladies so now it's kind of a weight off my shoulders because now everybody knows, not just me," she added.

Lee, 17, had been level with Woods until the American closed with three birdies in her final six holes to seal victory.

South African Stacy Lee Bregman and Swede Camilla Lennarth finished in a tie for third, two shots behind Lee.

Katarina Johnson-Thompson wins double gold at British Indoors

Katarina Johnson-Thompson impressed at the British Indoor Championships by adding the long jump title to the high jump gold she had won on Saturday.

The 21-year-old, who set a British record in the high jump, won the long jump with a personal best of 6.75m.

Roma not good enough in front of goal - Garcia

Roma boss Rudi Garcia believes his side's wayward finishing was to blame for their 0-0 draw with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday.

Odemwingie scores debut goal for Stoke City

Nigeria’s Peter Odemwingie was on target for Stoke City as they played out a 2-2 away with Southampton on Saturday afternoon at St Mary’s Stadium.

Adebayor strike sinks Everton

The Togo striker fired home his seventh goal of the season with a fine second-half finish at White Hart Lane on Sunday to move just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.

Everton had the better of much of the game but lacked a cutting edge in the absence of a recognised striker as their hopes of securing a top-four finish suffered a setback.

British Indoor Athletics: Chambers' time has passed - Dasaolu

British Athletics Indoor Championships

• Venue: English Institute of Sport; Sheffield
• Date: Saturday 8 - Sunday 9 Feb

Mertesacker: We wanted Suarez to join Arsenal

Per Mertesacker has revealed his Arsenal team-mates were keen on Luis Suarez joining the club last summer.

Blatter ready to stand for fifth term as Fifa president

The Swiss football chief, who has held the top position since 1998, has suggested he will run for another mandate in 2015

Blatter ready to stand for fifth term as Fifa president

The Swiss football chief, who has held the top position since 1998, has suggested he will run for another mandate in 2015

Blatter ready to stand for fifth term as Fifa president

The Swiss football chief, who has held the top position since 1998, has suggested he will run for another mandate in 2015

Ronaldo ban appeal rejected

Cristiano Ronaldo's appeal against his three-game suspension following his dismissal in Real Madrid's 1-1 La Liga draw against Athletic Bilbao at the weekend has been rejected.

Mamadou Gaye: Cote d'Ivoire will fail in Brazil

 

 

The Ivorian football pundit opens up to Goal on why the Elephants will return from the 2014 Fifa World Cup with heads bowed low

Cote d'Ivoire journalist and football pundit, Mamadou Gaye has told Goal that his country will have another poor outing at the World Cup in June.
The Elephants are making their third appearance at the Mundial and are expected to be one of Africa's main hopes of reaching the knock out stages in Brazil having been placed in Group C alongside Colombia, Japan and Greece.

Kevin Pietersen: Alastair Cook influential in batsman's exit

By Sam Sheringham BBC Sport

England captain Alastair Cook played an influential role in the decision to end Kevin Pietersen's international career.

Cook was part of a three-man panel who met the batsman on Monday and told him of their decision.

Keshi won’t name large World Cup squad

 

The Super Eagles head coach has disclosed that he will not be naming a 40-man squad to avoid distraction for his preparation for Brazil

Coach Stephen Keshi has disclosed he would not be announcing a 40-man Nigeria squad for the 2014 Fifa World Cup in Brazil.

Rene Meulensteen: Fulham hit 'rock bottom' after Blades loss

Fulham's FA Cup fourth-round defeat by League One strugglers Sheffield United is their lowest point of the season, says head coach Rene Meulensteen.

BREAKING NEWS: Ronaldo handed three-game ban

 

The Portugal international will miss three matches following his dismissal at the weekend, but will be available for Wednesday's Copa del Rey game against Atletico

Six Nations 2014: Sam Warburton will lead Wales against Ireland

Six Nations 2014: Ireland v Wales

• Dates: 8 February, 2014
• Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
• Kick-off: 14:30 GMT

Coverage: All matches live on BBC TV, radio and BBC Sport website

Fed Cup: GB bid for play-off to reach World Group II

Fed Cup Europe/Africa Zone Group I

• Venue: Budapest
• Date: 4-9 February

MotoGP: Marc Marquez tops opening 2014 test in Sepang

World champion Marc Marquez recorded the fastest time on day one of the 2014 season's first test session in Sepang.

Rio 2016: Four sports suffer Olympic funding cut

Basketball, synchronised swimming, water polo and weightlifting have all had their Olympic funding withdrawn.

UK Sport has decided to put money into other sports ahead of the Rio Games in 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

Ameobi, Dike, Anichebe: Who should be Keshi’s Plan B?

 

The Big Boss seems to be looking to include a physical presence among his World Cup-bound forwards. Dike & Ameobi are in pole position, but should Anichebe be considered instead?

          

Lamouchi: Cote d'Ivoire can trouble big teams in the World Cup

 

The former midfielder led his side to Brazil 2014 with an unbeaten qualifying record but has stressed the Elephants cannot go all the way in this summer's tournament

Mourinho: Hazard is the best young player in the world

Jose Mourinho believes Eden Hazard is the best young player in the world after he helped Chelsea record a 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.

The 23-year-old was one of several players to impress as the Blues ended City's 100 per cent home record, and Mourinho believes the Belgian attacker, in time, can emulate Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Victor Anichebe on target for West Brom

 

The Nigerian scored his second league goal for the Baggies as he rescued a point for his team against Brendan Rodger’s men in the English Premier League

Yevhen Konoplyanka: Liverpool move still possible - Rodgers

 

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers says the club could still sign Dnipro winger Yevhen Konoplyanka in the summer.