D Tuesday, January 19, 2010 SPORT 23 Ronnie puts a rocket up Selbys world-title hopes SNOOKER: Ronnie OSullivan has written off Mark Selbys chances of winning the world championship. The Rocket sees the same inconsistency in The Masters champion he suffers from himself. Selby regained his crown with a thrilling final-frame victory over OSullivan at Wembley on Sunday but was then told he does not have what it takes to win the 17-day world event. Three-times champion OSullivan said: As far as winning world titles, that is mission impossible for me. I am too hot and cold to go in with any confidence of doing it [again]. I dont think Selby has the game to win a world title for the same reasons. That is why it is tough, you are up against players that have that relentlessness. Newry clash sparks inquiry SOCCER: The IFA have launched an investigation after Newry Citys JJB Sports Cup tie against Larne on Saturday was abandoned after fighting broke out involving players as well as coaching staff. Newry were leading 2-1 when the game was called off with eight minutes remaining, leaving the governing body appalled at the scenes witnessed. IFA president Raymond Kennedy said: Violence has no place in football and the association totally condemns the incidents which took place at The Showgrounds, Newry at the weekend. Schwartzel moving on up GOLF: Charl Schwartzel is a career-best 35th in the world after his Africa Open and Joburg Open double. The South African has risen 16 places in the rankings while joint Joburg runner-up Darren Clarke is back into the worlds top 100 at 95. Ryan Palmer, who won the Sony Open in Hawaii, rose 190 spots to 92nd. World rankings 1 Tiger Woods 13.86pts, 2 Phil Mickelson 7.80, 3 Steve Stricker 6.93, 4 Lee Westwood 6.46, 5 Jim Furyk 5.49, 6 Padraig Harrington 5.35, 7 Henrik Stenson 5.23, 8 Paul Casey 5.20, 9 Geoff Ogilvy 5.00, 10 Rory McIlroy 4.77. England rest jaded Strauss CRICKET: England captain Andrew Strauss last night defended the decision to rest him for the tour of Bangladesh, warning he would end up mentally and physically exhausted if he did not have a break.The selectors have opted to stand down Strauss, with vice-captain Alastair Cook promoted for the two-Test and three one- day international tour. I am feeling pretty jaded, said Strauss. Its been a long year, and I am very conscious of the 18 months of cricket ahead with the Ashes tour and the World Cup. Peel ruled out for Wales RUGBY: Wales have suffered an injury blow ahead of their RBS 6 Nations opener against England with scrum-half Dwayne Peel ruled out. Sale Sharks star Peel (pictured) was due to have a scan yesterday after suffering a groin injury in Saturdays Heineken Cup defeat against Cardiff Blues. Peel has not been named in a 35- man Six Nations squad by Wales head coach Warren Gatland. With Peels fellow British and Irish Lion Mike Phillips also sidelined due to injury, Scarlets number nine Martin Roberts is favourite to start at Twickenham on February 6. sportdigest SOCCER LIVERPOOL boss Rafael Benitez admits he is some way from bringing in a striker as cover for the injured Fernando Torres. The Reds attacking options were greatly diminished following last weeks FA Cup exit at the hands of Reading. Torres is out for six weeks as he requires a knee operation while skipper Steven Gerrard has a hamstring strain and Yossi Benayoun suffered a fractured rib. Benitez has signed Atletico Madrid winger Maxi Rodriguez, who made his debut against Stoke on Saturday, but wants another forward. Sunderland yesterday insisted Trinidad & Tobago international Kenwyne Jones would not be moving to Anfield on loan while former Liverpool striker Emile Heskey has been linked with a return this month. We will see if we can do something more in this transfer window, said Benitez, who admits he is hampered by the clubs tight finances. If we cannot, we will stick together for the next challenge. We have a good team and a good squad which is not as bad as people think. It is important to have confidence. When people say we need two strikers like Torres, you say Okay. Where are these strikers and how much can you pay for them? Frustrated Rafa struggles to strike it rich No-go: Jones Mancini keen to lead City out of the shade ROBERTO MANCINI claims Manchester City can knock Manchester United off their pedestal as Englands biggest club. Mancini will experience his first derby at Eastlands tonight, knowing victory in the two-legged Carling Cup semi-final will secure City a place in a major domestic showpiece for the first time since 1981. Given the amounts of cash owner Sheikh Mansour has already invested, and with the prospect of much more to come, it seems only a matter of time before a 34-year trophy drought comes to an end as well. And Mancini insists his team could one day even put United in the shade. If we work well, it is possible, said the Italian. United have a big history. They have been a good team for many years. City can become a big team in the next year. It is most important we get into the top four. That would change the situations. Surely it would be better if City were also a big club in the future because then Man- chester could have two clubs in the Champi- ons League. Money appears more scarce at Old Trafford but Mancini does not feel Uniteds financial issues will be a factor tonight, adding: Its not important if they have problems. On a pitch theres only players, not money. But he believes in-form Carlos Tevez will be a big threat to his old club and said: I hope Carlos can score goals because he is an ex-United player. But it is important that the squad plays well. Former Arsenal midfielder Patrick Vieiras City debut is again on hold as he recovers from the calf injury he picked up before his loan move from Inter Milan but Stephen Ireland will be on the bench after missing three games with a hamstring strain. By David Kennedy On the football pitch there is only players, not money MANCHESTER City manager Roberto Mancini insists he has no problem with Robinho despite substituting the forward in Saturdays reversal to Everton. The defeat was Mancinis first as boss and hauling off Robinho who himself had replaced the injured Roque Santa Cruz was interpreted as the action of a manager who has lost patience with the Brazilian. But Mancini said: When I put [Shaun] Wright-Phillips on I had to take a striker off as I cant keep five forwards on the pitch. I had to decide between Robinho and Carlos [Tevez]. Old boys network: Carlos Tevez will face his former club tonight Picture: EPA TIM CAHILL insists Evertons faith in manager David Moyes should act as an example to other top-flight clubs. Manchester City, Portsmouth and Bolton have all changed their manager this season while Everton stood by Moyes during a woeful spell. The clubs board have been repaid by a recent seven-match unbeaten run, and are now up to tenth place. Midfielder Cahill said: The patience of the club is a good lesson to other clubs. The manager buys players he can trust. We would run through brick walls for him. ChELSEA have confirmed Michael Essien is out of the Africa Cup of Nations with a knee problem. The Premier League leaders are expecting the Ghana midfielder to return later this week so medical staff at the club can assess his injury. Ghanas team doctor has already claimed the 27-year-old will be out of action for at least a month. A spokesperson for the Blues confirmed: We are aware of the injury to Michael and have been in contact with the Ghanaian national team. We will fully assess the injury on Michaels return to us later this week. Continuity key for Cahill Blues hit by Essien woe Lucky kiss: Selby celebrates with his girlfriend index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html