adminTogo’s government says at least six top flight football players have been killed and another 28 people are critically injured after a bus carrying them plunged into a ravine and caught fire.
In a statement read on national television, the government said Togo President Faure Gnassingbe had ordered that the injured be taken to a military hospital in the capital Lome.
The accident happened on Saturday near the city of Atakpame, about 160 kilometres north of Lome, as the Etoile Filante team was on its way to Sokode for yesterday’s league game against Semassi.
A tyre is believed to have burst, causing the bus to flip over and plunge down a ravine. Some of the victims reportedly burnt to death. — Sapa-AP.
Wales manager Speed dies
Cardiff — Gary Speed, who took over as Wales’ soccer coach just 11 months ago after playing for his country a record 85 times, has died at the age of 42.
The Football Association of Wales (FAW) announced Speed’s death yesterday without giving the cause.
Local police said only that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Speed’s death.
Speed is survived by his wife and two children.
“We extend our sympathies and condolences to the family,” the FAW said in a statement. “We ask that everyone respects the family’s privacy at this very sad time.”
Speed, whose 85 caps is a Welsh record for an outfield player, had only become Wales coach in December in a move that had long been predicted by former team-mates and commentators.
Last year, Queen Elizabeth II gave Speed the Member of the British Empire award in her annual Birthday Honours list for his services to football.
Admired for his dedication, fitness and consistency in a 20-year playing career — as well as a knack for goals — Speed started out with Leeds and won the English league championship with the club in 1992.
Moving on to Everton and then Newcastle, Speed became the first player to play in 500 Premier League games and held the record with 535 until it was surpassed by goalkeeper David James in 2009.
Speed started his coaching career with Sheffield United last year and retired from playing only to help focus on leading the side. He took over Wales after John Toshack resigned and led the team to five wins from 10 matches, earning plaudits for the side’s style of play and emphasis on youth. — AP.
USA win Golf World Cup
Hainan — Matt Kuchar and Gary Woodland gave the United States a 24th World Cup yesterday after the duo reeled in overnight leaders Ireland and held off the charge of fast-finishing England.
The victory at the Blackstone course comes a week after Kuchar helped the United States win another team event, the Presidents Cup, in Australia.
The US team fired a final round of 67 to take the title with a combined 24-under-par 264, two shots ahead of England and Germany in joint second place.
Ireland’s Rory McIlroy and Graeme McDowell started yesterday with a two-shot lead but endured a frustrating day and carded an even par 72 for a share of fourth.
Kuchar told reporters he was proud to have won the title for America.
“You think of all the sporting events, and you think of all the teams that become world champions, and in golf there are not that many opportunities to be world champions,” he said.
“So to represent the United States of America and become world champions just feels great.”
The American duo began the final round two strokes behind McIlroy and McDowell but moved to the top of the 28-nation leaderboard after birdies on the opening two holes and at the sixth and seventh. A bogey on 11 was the only blip but they rebounded with birdies on the 12th and 13th.
Kuchar and Woodland cruised home to slip on the traditional golden jackets and take first prize cheques of $1.2 million. — Reuters.
Man City target Van Persie
Manchester City are preparing a blockbuster bid for Arsenal captain Robin van Persie, according to the Sunday Mirror.
The in-form Dutchman has only 18 months to run on his contract and talks over an extended deal have broken down, leaving Arsenal vulnerable to a big offer. Although Van Persie has scored 31 Premier League goals this year, Arsene Wenger may be prepared to part with him if he fears losing him on a free transfer at the end of next season.
It would be a devastating blow for the Gunners, who lost key men Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri in August.
City have already signed Nasri, Gael Clichy and Kolo Toure from Arsenal.
Van Persie would replace Carlos Tevez, who is widely expected to leave the Etihad Stadium in January.
And the Argentine could be one of a huge number of departure from the club as they struggle to reduce salaries.
City posted a £195m loss in the last financial year, which leaves them in serious danger of flouting Uefa’s Financial Fair Play regulations.
Largely to blame was the club’s £174m wage bill, which exceeded turnover on its own. City are looking to reduce a 63-man playing staff by around 20, according to the Sunday Telegraph.
Tevez’s £10m-a-year salary would represent a significant reduction, but they are struggling to offload the Argentine.
AC Milan have opened talks over a £25m move for Tevez, but the Mail on Sunday claim the Serie A side are insisting on a series of rigorous psychological tests before they are prepared to do a deal.
Tevez was fined for refusing to warm up in a Champions League game against Bayern Munich, and has recently been AWOL in Argentina.
Another player on his way out of Arsenal, the Sunday Mirror claims, is Marouane Chamakh who is a £10m target for Paris Saint-Germain. — Eurosport.
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