World Athletics 2011: Usain Bolt wins 200m gold

ATHLETICS WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011

• Venue: Daegu, South Korea
• Date: 27 August - 4 September
• Coverage: BBC Radio 5 live, 5 live sports extra and online (UK only), daily video highlights on BBC Sport website (UK only); live text commentaries; watch live on Channel 4

Highlights - Bolt bounces back with 200m gold (UK users only)

Usain Bolt stormed to World 200m gold in the third fastest time of his life to put the nightmare of his 100m disqualification behind him.

Bolt exploded from the blocks six days after producing that famous false start before stretching away down the home straight to win in 19.40 seconds.
USA's Walter Dix took silver in 19.70 secs with France's Christophe Lemaitre destroying his personal best to take bronze in 19.80 secs.
"I made a mistake but I came back to show the world that I'm still the best," said a beaming Bolt.
"I'm not a legend yet. I'm on my way, but I've got to go to London and blow people's minds, to go to the Olympics and do something extraordinary."
Lemaitre's time equalled the fastest ever for third in a World final, but he was barely within shouting distance of the reigning champion.
After the shambles of the 100m final some had speculated that the charismatic Bolt might tone down his antics before the gun.
There were the same cartoonish charades as the athletes were called to their blocks, although the Jamaican's reaction time of 0.193 secs - the slowest in the field - indicates that he was taking no chances of a red-card repeat.
Going hard from lane three, Bolt was on the shoulder of Dix in lane four before the bend had fully unwound and, grimacing with effort, pulled away as Lemaitre came past Jaysuma Saidy Ndure with a late surge of his own.
Bolt becomes the first man since Calvin Smith in 1987 to retain a 200m World title.
"Lane three was a bit tight for me," said the Olympic champion and world record holder. "I always wish to run in an outside lane. I didn't run a perfect corner. If I'd run a good corner I could have come in the straight and done much better. But I'm happy."
Asked if he was under pressure following the 100m, Bolt added: "It wasn't really big pressure. I was a little bit nervous. I'm always nervous for the 200, I think because it's my favourite event and I love doing it so much.
"But for me the start wasn't a pressure because all I had to do was sit and wait. And that was it."
Dix, who was 0.30 seconds adrift in a season's best, remained bullish despite the margin of his defeat.
The American told BBC 5 live: "I thought I got real close. I thought the stagger really helped him, but hopefully I'll have him next year - I'm going to go away and make sure I have all the weapons I need.
"I'm closing in. This time it was only three-tenths of a second."
Bolt's display delighted the Daegu crowd, with thousands of fans staying behind well after the night's entertainment had finished to scream and wave at the Jamaican as he went through an endless series of television interviews by the finish line.
He has the chance to add another gold in Sunday evening's 4x100m relay, and will go to next summer's Olympics as red-hot favourite to retain the title he won in record-breaking fashion in Beijing.

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Bulgaria 0-3 England

        Cahill scored his first England goal to give them the lead on 13 minutes

Wayne Rooney maintained his golden spell of form as England eased past Bulgaria in Sofia to move a step closer to Euro 2012 qualification.

      Fabio Capello's side needed to make amends for dropping two points against Switzerland at Wembley in their last qualifier - and they achieved their aim in comfort against a poor Bulgaria outfit in the Vasil Levski Stadium.
Gary Cahill, a target for Arsenal and Tottenham before the transfer window closed, put England ahead early on and Rooney was on target twice before the interval as the early hostility of the Bulgarian supporters was swiftly subdued.
Manchester United's in-form striker rose to head home Stewart Downing's corner and then rounded off a sweeping counter-attack involving Theo Walcott and Ashley Young to wrap up the formalities seconds before the break.
Rooney's United team-mate Chris Smalling was given his debut at right-back and was able to adjust to the international stage in relatively relaxed fashion as Bulgaria barely posed a threat of any consequence.
It was also a satisfying night for England coach Capello. Not only did he have a vital victory to celebrate, but his team selection was fully justified as Cahill gave an almost flawless performance in defence and Scott Parker's display made light of the surprising exclusion of Frank Lampard.
And a further boost to England's qualification prospects came after the final whistle when Wales recorded a 2-1 home win over group rivals Montenegro, who Capello's men face in their final qualifier.
The only sour note on a virtually perfect night for England came from shameful 'monkey' chanting aimed at Ashley Cole and Ashley Young from a section of Bulgaria's fans which later prompted an official complaint from the Football Association to Uefa.
England played at a tempo in attack that was too much for Bulgaria, with width provided at various times by Walcott, Young and Stewart Downing and Rooney acting as the potent spearhead.
Capello will now hope England continue the good work against Wales at Wembley on Tuesday before the crucial visit to Podgorica to face Montenegro next month.
The Italian opted for Bolton's Cahill alongside captain John Terry - and his decision was rewarded with a goal after only 13 minutes. Bulgaria gave a hint of defensive frailties to come when they failed to clear Young's corner, and when Gareth Barry found Cahill in the box he applied the finish past Nikolay Mihaylov.
Bulgaria's only attacking weapon was the wayward shooting of Martin Petrov, whereas England's attacking options were awash with movement in the shape of Rooney, Young and Walcott.
Rooney had been suffered a barren spell for England with only one goal in 15 games but he was in no mood to ignore the gifts on offer in front of an increasingly subdued Bulgarian support.
He rose above Terry to head in Downing's corner after 21 minutes and snuffed out any faint hopes of a Bulgaria recovery with England's third in first-half injury time. Parker's brave block enabled Walcott to run free and find Young, who delivered the invitation for Rooney to turn in the simplest of chances to take his international tally to 28.
Bulgaria, inevitably, raised the tempo in the opening moments of the second half and keeper Joe Hart was forced into his first meaningful action to block a deflected corner - but England were soon threatening to add to their goal tally.
Downing's looping header from Walcott's cross hit the post with Mihaylov beaten and seconds later the keeper did well to palm away Parker's powerful rising shot.
The game concluded at almost walking pace, with England content to play out time and preserve energies for the meeting with Wales as they attempt to secure a place in Poland and Ukraine next summer.

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Celtic get Europa League lifeline after Sion expelled

Sion triumphed 3-1 in Switzerland after a goalless draw at Celtic Park

Celtic have been reinstated in the Europa League after Uefa expelled Sion from the competition.

Sion, who are likely to appeal the verdict, fielded several ineligible players during their 3-1 aggregate win over Celtic in the play-off round.
A Celtic spokesman said: "We have been advised by Uefa that the two protests relating to the matches against FC Sion have been upheld.
"As a result of which each match has been forfeited in favour of Celtic."
Celtic will therefore take Sion's place in Group I, which also features Atletico Madrid, Rennes and Udinese.
Sion signed five players while the club were still under a transfer ban imposed by Fifa after breaching rules over the signing of Egypt goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary three years ago.
One of those players, Pascal Feindouno, scored two goals in the 3-1 second leg win over Celtic in Switzerland.
However, a Swiss court had earlier ruled in their favour and the players concerned have been playing domestic football this season.
Uefa's control and disciplinary body made Friday's ruling and Sion have three days upon receipt of written notice of the decision to lodge an appeal with the governing body.
If such an appeal were to fail, Sion could take their case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport who maintain they are the final voice.
Earlier in the week, the Sion president Christian Constantin had been confident of preserving his club's place in the competition.
He told BBC Scotland: "The bottom line is that we are in the right. There's no doubt.
"It's just that there are cases where Fifa want to take unilateral decisions by force rather than by just means.
"Uefa approved the list of players we submitted, but now, because of pressure from Fifa, they're trying to find justification for making us forfeit the tie.
"We will battle fiercely to avoid losing the case. Fifa may try to mask the facts, but that won't be easy."
Constantin, who also alluded to the possibility of a civil court case, added that Celtic were "within their rights" to lodge their protests.
The Celtic spokesman added: "We are pleased by this decision, the approach which has been taken by Uefa and the fact that Uefa rules and regulations have been upheld. We are also grateful for the support of the Scottish FA in this matter."

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World Athletics 2011: Bolt disqualified as Blake wins gold

Athletics World Championships 2011

• Venue: Daegu, South Korea
• Date: 27 August - 4 September
• Coverage: Listen live on BBC Radio 5 live, 5 live sports extra and online (UK only), watch daily video highlights on the BBC Sport website (UK only); live text commentary on the finals; watch live on Channel 4
• 
  Bolt out before Blake takes gold
  Jamaica's Usain Bolt was disqualified from the final of the men's 100m at the World Athletics Championships as countryman Yohan Blake took gold.
  Defending champion Bolt caused shock in the stadium in Daegu as he came out of his blocks well before the gun.
  Blake clocked 9.92 seconds to lead home American Walter Dix (10.08) and 2003 world champion Kim Collins (10.09).
  But much of the talk will centre on the fate of Bolt, who still has the 200m and 4x100m to come.
  The triple world and Olympic champion beat a hasty retreat after his misfortune, although was quoted as saying: "Looking for tears? "Not going to happen. I'm OK."
  Bolt, 25, later released a short comment via the IAAF website, saying: "I have nothing to say right now. I need some time."
  Asked about the defence of his 200m title which begins on Friday, Bolt added: "How will I go? We'll have to see on Friday."
  Bolt was his usual relaxed self before the race, preening when his name was announced, and the outcome will no doubt lead people to question both his preparation and the false-start rule.
  Previously, athletes had been allowed one false start before being disqualified for a second, but new rules were introduced by governing body the IAAF for the start of the 2010 season.
  While Blake, 21, had sympathy for his training partner he nevertheless was overwhelmed by his unexpected triumph.
  
  "I don't think I can find words to explain it, I feel like I want to cry," he said. "I have been praying for this moment, this is all a dream for me right now.
  "Usain Bolt has been there for me. I felt I would win the race for Bolt."
  Dix, a double Olympic bronze medallist, added: "I didn't really think they were going to kick him out. How can you kick Usain out of the race?"
  The 35-year-old Collins, meanwhile, questioned the validity of the false-start rule after picking up his third World Championships bronze medal.
  "I don't think it is right. These things happen but you have to give people a chance," said the St Kitts and Nevis athlete.
  "If the IAAF feel that is the right way to go for TV rights and everything, the rule will stay. As much as I want to be on the podium, tonight is a sad night for athletics."
  Bolt, 25, has dominated the sprinting world in recent years: after storming to the 100m and 200m sprint double in then-world record times at the 2008 Olympics, Bolt matched his feat the following year at the Worlds in Rome, setting new marks of 9.58 and 19.19.
  The 100m in Daegu had already been deprived of the three previous fastest men this year - Bolt's team-mates Asafa Powell and Steve Mullings and American Tyson Gay.
  Britain's Dwain Chambers was disqualified for a false-start in the semi-finals, one day after compatriot Christine Ohuruogu was eliminated from the 400m for the same infringement.
  
  

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La Liga strike to go ahead as talks collapse in Spain

The opening Primera and Segunda matches have been postponed

Players in Spain's top two divisions will strike on the first day of the season after Friday's negotiations with clubs on wage guarantees collapsed.

The Association of Spanish Footballers (AFE) is demanding players be allowed to break their contracts if they are not paid for three consecutive months.
"Our positions are very far apart," said Professional Football League chairman Jose Luis Astiazara.
"We are concentrating now on being able to save the second day."
The Spanish league had been scheduled to start this weekend but around 200 players in the top two divisions have not been fully paid by cash-strapped clubs, some of which are in bankruptcy protection.
Players are said to be owed up to £43m in unpaid salaries.
Both parties plan to continue talks on Saturday and Monday with next weekend's second round of games still under threat.
The season had been scheduled to start with three-time defending champions Barcelona at Malaga and Real Madrid playing Athletic Bilbao.
When the postponed games would be replayed is uncertain with no free dates for rescheduling on the Spanish calendar before May.
Clubs involved in European competitions will continue playing with Villarreal facing a Champions League qualifying game next week and Athletic Bilbao, Sevilla and Atletico Madrid all playing Europa League matches.

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Bell and Pietersen hit record partnership against India

Fourth Test

• Venue: The Oval
• Date: August 18-22
• Start time: 1100 BST
• Coverage: Live ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra, BBC Radio 4 Long Wave & BBC Sport website; live video scorecard on Red Button (not Freeview); live text commentary on BBC Sport website & mobile; watch live on Sky Sports (subscription required); highlights each evening on Channel 5

 
Bell and Pietersen hit a record 350-run stand against India and were one run short of The Oval record

Ian Bell and Kevin Pietersen piled up England's highest partnership against India as the hosts took control of the fourth Test at The Oval.

The duo, who came together with England on the back foot, sapped the life out of the tourists with huge hundreds in a phenomenal stand of 350 on the second day.
Pietersen made 175 and Bell finished unbeaten on 181 - his fourth Test century of the summer - as England closed on a commanding 457-3.
Together they treated a capacity crowd to a batting exhibition, their contrasting styles making the spectacle all the richer for the 23,500 spectators.
Both went past 150 in the final hour as they surpassed Graham Gooch and Allan Lamb's partnership of 308 against India at Lord's in 1990 and posted England's seventh highest stand against any team.
It was particularly galling for an India side who had dominated the opening session of the day with a vastly improved bowling and fielding display.
They took the first wicket with the fifth ball of the day when Alastair Cook pushed lazily at Ishant Sharma and edged to Virender Sehwag at first slip for 34.
England did not score a run until the last ball of fourth over, with Andrew Strauss finding scoring particularly difficult. The captain added only two runs to his overnight 38 in 32 balls before he wafted his bat loosely at a ball from Sreesanth and nicked through to MS Dhoni.
With India in the ascendancy for the first time since the early stages of the second Test at Trent Bridge, Bell and Pietersen batted cautiously early on.

A TOAST FROM THE PM

If someone has got a five-for or a hundred, generally at the end of a day's play we have a toast led by one one of the lads. This evening, David Cameron toasted Belly and I. He was very complimentary but he wants us to press on and win the Test match

Kevin Pietersen

Pietersen almost fell in the last over before lunch when a glance off his hips dropped just short of leg slip Suresh Raina.
But the momentum swung dramatically after the interval, with Bell and Pietersen going on the offensive and cracking 59 runs in 10 overs - eight more than England mustered in the entire first session.
Pietersen slapped two Amit Mishra full tosses for four and Bell brought up his fifty with a flurry of four boundaries in five balls.
With the series back in its default mode of England dominance, there was a certain inevitability in both men reaching three figures.
Bell got there first with a square cut off Raina and Pietersen brought up his ton with a pull to the fence off the first ball after tea.
Attempting to repeat the shot off Sharma's next ball, he top-edged it in the air and was dropped by Gautam Gambhir as he back-pedalled from mid-on, banging his head into the bargain.
It was a costly error as the onslaught continued with Pietersen charging down the wicket to club boundary after boundary and Bell keeping his own score ticking over with some textbook strokeplay until he let himself go by heaving the hapless Mishra for two consecutive sixes.
Pietersen smashed Raina over his head for his 27th four but was out next ball as he mis-hit a drive and fed a straightforward return catch to the bowler. He departed to a standing ovation, safe in the knowledge that his exploits with Bell had put England in a great position to go on and record a series whitewash.
"I've been on the receiving end of a whitewash, but it's not for us to worry about what's happening in the Indian rooms," said the former England captain.
"It's for us to make sure we win the first hour tomorrow and over the next three days we get the 20 Indian wickets."
Pietersen's 19th Test hundred - his fourth at The Oval - puts him level with team-mates Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook on the list of England's all-time century makers, three short of the record of 22 jointly held by Geoff Boycott, Colin Cowdrey and Wally Hammond.
"It would be nice to get a record, but I think there are a lot of players in this team who are going to get more than 22 hundreds," said Pietersen.
"It's amazing to be part of a team where you've got guys who are hitting hundreds like this.
"It's not a competition; it's not a race. It's just a case of winning games for England, getting us into positions where we can win games.
"Getting Test hundreds is something you dream about when you're a kid and then trying to make a profession as a cricketer - so any Test hundred is amazing. To score four here now is pretty cool."

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Manchester City close to signing Samir Nasri from Arsenal

Manchester City are close to agreeing a deal to sign Samir Nasri from Arsenal.

The transfer could be finalised in the next 24 hours, with City paying Arsenal a reported £25m.
Nasri, who joined the Gunners from Marseille in 2008, is into the final 12 months of his contract and has rejected a new deal at the Emirates Stadium.
The France midfielder, 24, would become the second high-profile departure from Arsenal this week after Cesc Fabregas joined Barcelona on Monday.
Nasri used social networking site Twitter to congratulate Fabregas on his move and criticise Gunners fans who directed an abusive chant towards him during Saturdays 0-0 draw at Newcastle.

"I heard what the fans were singing about me on Saturday and it is really disrespectful because I'm still a [sic] Arsenal player", he wrote.
There were suggestions Nasri would undergo a medical on Wednesday - and camera crews gathered at the Bridgewater Hospital.
But that was never likely because the clubs were - and are still are - in negotiations and no medical can take place until a deal is agreed.
Arsenal began discussions with Nasri in December 2010 but the Frenchman is understood to have stalled on a new three-year contract worth £90,000 a week - and in June he cast further doubt over his future.

The Gunners reportedly turned down a £20m bid from from Manchester United in early July and manager Arsenal Wenger said he was prepared to lose Nasri on a free transfer next summer rather than sell him now.
"Imagine the worst situation - we lose Fabregas and Nasri," stated Wenger. "You cannot convince people you are ambitious after that. You cannot pretend you are a big club.
"A big club holds onto its big players and gives a message out to all the other big clubs that they just cannot come in and take [players] away from you."
City boss Roberto Mancini then made clear his intention to bring Nasri to Eastlands and although Wenger claimed on Monday that the player may yet stay, the situation has since developed.
If the deal goes through Nasri will receive a huge pay rise and become Mancini's third major summer signing following the arrivals of Gael Clichy, Stefan Savic and Sergio Aguero.
Nasri has scored 27 goals in 124 appearances for Arsenal and has won 23 caps for France.

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Tottenham in talks to sign Man City's Emmanuel Adebayor

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp has confirmed the club are in talks with Manchester City over a loan move for 27-year-old striker Emmanuel Adebayor.

Adebayor fell out with Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini last year and spent a spell on loan at Real Madrid.
Spurs and City have been in talks for some time over a deal, with Adebayor's reported £170,000 a week wage packet proving to be the only real problem.
"The chairman is talking to Man City about the player," said Redknapp.

Redknapp added: "Where they [the negotiations] are at, I genuinely don't know."
Mancini has made it clear Adebayor, who joined City from Arsenal in a £25m deal in July 2009, has no future at the club, while Adebayor said in April that he wished to remain with Real.
The former Togo international scored twice against Tottenham in the Champions League quarter-final first leg clash between the two teams at the Bernabeu.
During that match, Spurs fans chanted abusive songs at the former Arsenal marksman, but the player himself said this summer the songs would not put him off signing for Redknapp's team.
Tottenham are on the search for a new striker

Click to play

Adebayor sets the record straight

Redknapp has been linked with a number of other strikers this summer, including FC Twente forward Bryan Ruiz.
The Spurs boss was in Holland to watch the Costa Rica international score in Twente's 2-2 draw with Benfica on Tuesday night, but admits a deal for the frontman is unlikely as he is more concerned about adding to his midfield, which has been hit by injuries to key players.
"I went and watched the game and watched him play," said Redknapp. "He is a good player but we are more desperate in other areas.
"I don't think anything is going to happen. He's a good player that I have watched before. I just like going to watch football matches so I thought I'd just go and see the game."

Meanwhile, Redknapp is facing an injury crisis ahead of their Europa League play-off first leg clash against Hearts on Wednesday with six midfielders unavailable.
Luka Modric - who is wanted by Chelsea - is out with a groin injury.
The Blues are reportedly set to return with a new offer for the Croatian, but Redknapp insists the club's stance that the 25-year-old will not be sold has not changed.

"I don't know where it's at and Daniel [Levy] has said all along that he is not going to sell Luka so that is probably it as far as I know," Redknapp added.
"There is no sign of him going. It's an area we need to strengthen and we have one or two irons in the fire.
"We are trying [to get players in]. We have some names and we are trying to get one or two in. We need to do a little bit of business."

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Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti rules out Wesley Sneijder sale

Inter Milan president Massimo Moratti says midfielder Wesley Sneijder will not be sold this summer, describing the Dutch playmaker as "untouchable".

Sneijder has been linked with a move to Manchester United and recently revealed he could be sold for the right price after
Moratti has denied those comments, saying there has never been any such negotiations to sell the 27-year-old.
"Sneijder is going nowhere," Moratti told told
Moratti revealed his resolve to keep Netherlands international Sneijder has been strengthened further by the imminent departure of striker Samuel Eto'o, who is set to join big-spending Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.

  As well as United, Sneijder has also been linked with Manchester City.
"Sneijder was untouchable before the situation with Eto'o and he has become even more so now Eto'o could leave," added Moratti.
"There has never been any kind of talks about Wes."
Moratti also confirmed speculation regarding the club's interest in Manchester City's wantaway striker Carlos Tevez, but believes any deal is unlikely as he instead looks at other options to fill Eto'o's departure.
"The names that have been mentioned are correct," he added.
"We have been following Tevez, [Ezequiel] Lavezzi and [Diego] Forlan. It will be difficult to sort an agreement for the City striker but the others we are considering. We'll see."

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Barcelona finally set to unveil Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas

Fabregas has made 303 appearances for the Gunners scoring 57 goals

Barcelona are hoping to unveil Cesc Fabregas at a homecoming ceremony by Monday, BBC Sport has learned.

Barca sources say they are "99.9% certain" that a £35m transfer will go through.
Arsenal sources insist any final deal is still "days rather than hours away" but privately admit Fabregas's exit is imminent.
Fabregas trained with his Arsenal team-mates for what appears to be the final time on Friday morning.
It is believed Arsenal will receive a guaranteed £30m with a further £5m dependent on the number of games played and trophies won by the 24-year-old during his time at the Nou Camp.

CESC FABREGAS FACTFILE

• 1987: Born in the Catalonia town of Vilassar de Mar
• 2003: Leaves boyhood heroes Barcelona for Arsenal aged 16
• 2008: Installed as Arsenal club captain
• 2011: Set to rejoin Barcelona

Reports in Spain suggested Fabregas would travel to Barcelona this weekend and possibly attend the club's Super Cup match against Real Madrid on Sunday.
Arsenal's opening Premier League game at Newcastle on Saturday has delayed the completion of the deal.
But players at the Catalan giants have already hailed Fabregas's expected signing through social networking site Twitter.
Club captain Carlos Puyol tweeted: "Welcome home! Happy to have you here!" And fellow defender Gerard Pique added: "He's finally here!"
Earlier Arsene Wenger admitted neither Fabregas or Samir Nasri would play against Newcastle with both close to moves away from the club.
Nasri appears set for Manchester City for about £23m and has also been left out of the Gunners' squad travelling to St James' Park.

You do not want to lose big players. We fight to have big players so you do not want to lose them

Arsene Wenger Arsenal manager

Despite their absences, Wenger refused to be drawn on the speculation over the midfielders' futures on Friday morning.
He bizarrely claimed: "I expect nobody to leave. There is no news. If there is news, I promise I will give it."
When asked if he therefore expected the pair to stay, Wenger replied that that was "a good conclusion from my statement".
However, earlier on the club's official website, Wenger admitted that Fabregas' future could be decided before the start of the Premier League season.
"That is completely the truth. We hope it will be sorted out very quickly one way or the other. We'll know very quickly," he said.
Before the deal was confirmed Wenger said any losses from his squad would not be terminal.
The Frenchman added: "We are all replaceable. All the cemeteries are full of replaceable people.
"But you do not want to lose big players. We fight to have big players so you do not want to lose them."

ARSENAL'S START TO THE SEASON

• Saturday: Newcastle (a)
• 16 August: Udinese (h)
• 20 August: Liverpool (h)
• 24 August: Udinese (a)
• 28 August: Man Utd (a)

Fabregas has not appeared for the Gunners in pre-season after suffering a hamstring injury, although
Wenger dismissed the suggestion, however, that Fabregas had refused to play for him.
And despite Nasri starting and playing for 65 minutes in France's game against Chile on Wednesday, Wenger insisted the 24-year-old was suffering from an illness.
"Cesc is not on strike. Cesc is not injured, he's not match fit. I don't want to go any deeper than that," he added.
"Nasri went for the national team, he was sick, and he has not completely recovered yet. There are no other aspects why he is not in the squad."
Meanwhile, Wenger said that attempts to sign Valencia winger Juan Mata have failed.
"We will not do (a deal for) Juan Mata. I don't have to give a reason," he said.

Fabregas seals Carling Cup semi-final win

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Tiger Woods misses cut in USPGA Championship in Atlanta

US PGA Championship second round leaderboard (par=70)

• -5: J Dufner (US), K Bradley (US)
• -4: J Furyk (US), DA Points (US), J Senden (Aus), S Verplank (US), B Jobe (US)
• -3: A Hansen (Den), B Steele (US), S Stricker (US)
• -2: A Scott (Aus), J Vegas (Ven), J Kelly (US)
• Selected others -1: L Westwood (Eng)
• Level: S Dyson (Eng), R Fisher (Eng)
• +1: S Garcia (Spa), P Mickelson (US), L Donald (Eng)
• +2: M Manassero (Ita), B Davis (Eng), P Harrington (Ire), I Poulter (Eng)
• +3: R McIlroy (NI), R Fowler (US)
• Missed cut +5: M Kaymer (Ger), J Rose (Eng), J Day (Aus)
• +6: E Els (SA)
• +7: M Laird (Sco)
• +10: T Woods (US)
• +12: G McDowell (NI)
• +14: D Clarke (NI)

Woods has now missed three cuts as a professional in major tournaments

Tiger Woods was a shadow of his former self as he missed only his third cut in a major as a professional with a second-round 73 in the US PGA.

The former world number one ended 10 over par to miss the cut by a distance after a day of struggles in Atlanta.
Americans Jason Dufner (65) and Keegan Bradley (64) lead by one at five under from Jim Furyk, DA Points, Scott Verplank, John Senden and Brandt Jobe.
Rory McIlroy defied Thursday's wrist injury to card 73 to end three over.
Overnight leader Steve Stricker slumped to a 74 after his stunning opening 63 to slide back to three under, while England's Lee Westwood (68) was the leading Briton at one under with countrymen Simon Dyson (72) and Ross Fisher (69) level.

SECOND DAY ANALYSIS

 

 

Iain Carter,
BBC 5 live golf correspondent

No golfer polarises opinion more than Tiger Woods, but it was sad to see such a great champion struggle from one bunker to another over the first two days here. Yet another comeback has stalled because he will now not figure in the PGA Tour play-offs. The former number one will work on his game but it will be a long time before we will know whether this range time rescues a career currently in freefall.

Woods amassed a seven-over 77 on Thursday, equalling his second-worst round in a major, and was left needing a score in the mid to high 60s on Friday to have a chance of making the top 70 players and those tied for 70th going into the weekend.
But the 35-year-old cut a forlon figure as he fought with his swing, catching a host of bunkers and struggling with his distance control.
He dropped shots at the fifth and seventh before showing glimmers of hope with back-to-back birdies at eight and nine.
But a two-hole aberration after the turn sealed his fate. He made a double bogey on the 11th after splashing from a bunker through the green and into the water, and then hooked into trees twice on the long 12th to notch another double bogey.
With the chance of making the cut virtually gone, Woods rallied towards the end of his round and picked up shots at the 13th and 15th but found the water again on the 18th to miss the cut by six shots.
The American, now ranked 30th after a four-month injury lay-off, had previously only missed the cut twice in 56 majors as professional, the 2009 Open and 2006 US Open. He has only missed four other cuts as a pro when he has completed 36 holes.
"It's frustration and disappointment that I'm not contending in the tournament," said the 14-time major champion, who has not won any title since his infamous sex scandal broke in November of 2009.

Woods missed major cuts

• 1996 Masters (amateur)
• 2006 US Open
• 2009 Open Championship
• 2011 US PGA

"It's a step back in the sense I didn't make the cut but a giant leap forward in the sense that I played two straight weeks healthy.
"Today I hit the ball a lot better and putted well but I never got to the green soon enough.
"I showed signs I can hit the ball exactly how I know I can, I just didn't do it enough times."
Having failed to qualify for the PGA Tour's end-of-season Fed Ex Cup play-offs, Woods said he will not play again until November and will spend the time working on his game with coach Sean Foley.
Northern Ireland's US Open champion McIlroy was diagnosed with a  but reappeared with further heavy strapping and carded a round of three birdies, three bogeys and a triple-bogey on the 17th.
"It was probably tougher mentally more than anything else, trying to get it out of your mind," said McIlroy.
Australian Adam Scott, who won the WGC event last week with Woods's former caddie Steve Williams, enjoyed a share of the lead at five under but dumped his second into the water on 18 and dropped back to two under after a 69.
World number one Luke Donald shot 71 to finish one over alongside four-time major champion Phil Mickelson, who also found water on the last to end with a 70.
Defending champion Martin Kaymer, the world number three, carded rounds of 72, 73 to miss the five-over cut alongside Justin Rose and Australian Jason Day. Ernie Els, Martin Laird, Graeme McDowell and Darren Clarke were also among those to miss the cut.

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Alastair Cook hits 294 as England make 710-7 against India

Third Test, Edgbaston (close, day three):

India 224 & 35-1 v England 710-7 - England lead by 451

Cook missed out on becoming only the sixth England batsman to hit a triple century in Tests

Alastair Cook fell six runs short of a triple century at Edgbaston as England racked up the third highest Test total in their history to pile further misery on India.

After batting for almost 13 hours without offering a single chance, Cook holed out for 294 to prompt Andrew Strauss to call time with England on a mammoth 710-7.
India promptly lost Virender Sehwag for a golden duck for the second time in the match to send the 25,000 crowd into raptures.

ENGLAND'S TOP TEST SCORES

• 364 - Len Hutton v Australia (The Oval, 1938)
• 336* - Wally Hammond v New Zealand (Auckland, 1933)
• 333 - Graham Gooch v India (Lord's, 1990)
• 325 - Andy Sandham v West Indies (Kingston, 1930)
• 310* - John Edrich v New Zealand (Headingley, 1965)
• 294 - Alastair Cook v India (Edgbaston, 2011)

And although Gautam Gambhir and Rahul Dravid prevented any further damage before the close, India remain 451 runs behind England and will have to bat for the best part of two days on a turning wicket to prevent the hosts securing the win that would put them top of the world Test rankings.
Cook's monumental effort was the sixth highest score by an Englishman, and the best since Graham Gooch's 333 against the same opposition in 1990.
He shared in a stand of 222 with Eoin Morgan, with the Dubliner reaching three figures for the second time in Tests.
It was a partnership high on runs but low on entertainment, with the left-handed duo favouring steady accumulation over flair.

They scored at a fraction over three runs per over, with Cook only finding the boundary twice in the first four hours of play.
With India's bowling once again offering little threat and the batsmen content to deal mostly in singles, it took a mid-afternoon powercut to really enliven the crowd.
Initially the problem was restricted to the New Stand, but once the floodlights went out, the umpires took the decision to take the players off the field.

Analysis

Vic Marks,
Former England spinner & Test Match Special pundit

"Tremendous stamina from Cook. He was disappointed, you could tell, because he had set his eyes on 300. The chance to do that doesn't come very often and he was so close. He didn't quite get it, but 294 is not a bad score to have on your CV

With two spinners bowling, and two batsmen well set, it seemed an absurdly cautious call and was roundly booed by the crowd.
When play resumed, Morgan made it to three figures with a single off his 188th ball. But after adding four more to his total, he slapped Suresh Raina straight to Sehwag at mid-off to give India their first wicket of the day at 1515 BST.
Morgan's dismissal was quickly followed by those of Ravi Bopara - trapped lbw by Amit Mishra - and Matt Prior, who top-edged a sweep off the same bowler and was well caught by Sachin Tendulkar, running in from long leg.

Alastair Cook and England's Test records on day three

• England's third highest total in Tests - the two highest were in timeless Tests - 903-7 dec v Australia in 1938 and 849 v West Indies in 1930
• The first Englishman past 250 since Graham Gooch in 1990
• England's highest Test total at Edgbaston, beating 633-5 dec v India in 1979
• The highest individual score at Edgbaston, beating Peter May's 285 in 1957
• The third highest individual score against India after Gooch and Sanath Jayasuriya

Tim Bresnan upped the scoring rate with some meaty blows as he reached a half-century either side of another deeply unpopular stoppage for bad light.
He brought up the mark with a huge six over mid-on off Sharma to take England past 700 for only the third time in their history - the others being in timeless Tests in 1930 and 1938 respectively.
With Cook nearing 300, India set about delaying the declaration by pushing men back to the boundary. And the tactic brought about Cook's downfall as he drove loosely at Sharma and sliced straight to backward point.
India made the worst possible start to their second innings when Sehwag nicked an Anderson away-swinger to first slip and there was enough encouragement for the spinners to suggest Graeme Swann could have a major role to play as England push for a victory on Saturday.

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Arsenal leave out Fabregas and Nasri for Newcastle game

MOTD analysis - Fabregas in action (UK users only)

Arsenal have left Cesc Fabregas and Samir Nasri out of the squad for Saturday's match against Newcastle with both close to moves away from the club.

Fabregas is expected to move to Barcelona for £35m with Nasri set for Manchester City for about £23m.
Despite their absences, Wenger refused to be drawn on the speculation over the midfielders' future.
"I expect nobody to leave. There is no news. If there is news, I promise I will give it," he said.
When asked if he therefore expected the pair to stay, Wenger replied that that was "a good conclusion from my statement".

Analysis

Dan Roan,
BBC sports news correspondent

BBC Sport understands the fee for Fabregas would be £30m, plus over £5m of additional performance-related payments. A senior Arsenal source has told BBC Sport the funds generated by Fabregas's sale will be reinvested in new players. Wenger looks intent on strengthening his defence and reports have suggested centre-backs Dann of Birmingham, Everton's Jagielka and Cahill of Bolton could be targets.

However earlier on the club's official website, Wenger admitted that Fabregas' future could be decided before the start of the Premier League season on Saturday.
"That is completely the truth. We hope it will be sorted out very quickly one way or the other. We'll know very quickly," he said.
Fabregas has not appeared for the Gunners in pre-season after suffering a hamstring injury, although
Wenger dismissed the suggestion however that Fabregas had refused to play for him.
And despite Nasri starting and playing for 65 minutes in France's game against Chile on Wednesday, Wenger insisted the 24-year-old was suffering from an illness.
"Cesc is not on strike. Cesc is not injured, he's not match fit. I don't want to go any deeper than that," he added.

ARSENAL'S START TO THE SEASON

• Saturday: Newcastle (a)
• 16 August: Udinese (h)
• 20 August: Liverpool (h)
• 24 August: Udinese (a)
• 28 August: Man Utd (a)

"Nasri went for the national team, he was sick, and he has not completely recovered yet. There are no other aspects why he is not in the squad."
Robin van Persie will be captain for the side's first match of the season against the Tynesiders on Saturday in Fabregas' absence.
Without Fabregas and Nasri, Wenger will start his Premier League campaign with a shortage of personnel in midfield.
Jack Wilshere, Abou Diaby and Theo Walcott are suffering injuries, while Denilson has returned to former club Sao Paulo on loan.
After the visit to St James' Park, Arsenal play Liverpool and Manchester United in the Premier League with two legs of their Champions League qualifier against Udinese completing their first five matches.

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Tim Cahill says Premier League start could be suspended

Everton's Tim Cahill says players should be willing to suspend the start of the Premier League season in support of the emergency services.

The Australian spoke after  in Cardiff.
Everton are due to play at Tottenham on Saturday, but Cahill said: "We could only play for the right reasons.
"For us if we have to sacrifice an extra week at the end of the season to finish off the games, then so be it."
The first weekend of the season is under threat, with police having been stretched for five nights as they attempt to quell riots which have broken out in city centres across England.
 whether to postpone any matches with games in London, Manchester and Birmingham seemingly most at risk.
QPR owner Bernie Ecclestone thinks calling off Premier League matches would send out a "terrible message" but Cahill believes football cannot ignore the consequences of this week's events.

Tim Cahill Everton midfielder

"I think the main thing we have to be aware of at the moment is that it's just a football game. There are a lot of sad, sad things going on around the country and it's important the focus is on putting things right and rebuilding," the 31-year old said.
"If it doesn't go ahead it's not a big deal - football can be played at any time - the most important thing is making sure people are safe.
"You have to think about the police who are working day in, day out.
"They are human beings, we need to reward them, people need to help them. I know it's not up to us, but that is important."
Cahill has played in English football since moving from Australia in 1997, first joining Millwall before
"For me, being in England for 14 years now, it's important that everyone pulls together and makes sure we get back together again," he added.
"You have to make sure no-one gets hurt.
"From a football point of view I can't wait to play and I'm sure plenty of our fans have made arrangements to travel down there [London] but it's very hard for the police to work as hard as they're doing.
"If it goes ahead I'll be buzzing but if it doesn't I'll understand because it's such a sad time at the moment."

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Sportsday Live - 11 August

LATEST UPDATES (all times BST)

No need to reload page, content below updates automatically. 

0833: FOOTBALL - BBC sports Dan Roan on Twitter: " l says Sami Nasri to Manchester City will be done in a matter of 'hours'.

0820: FOOTBALL - Harry Redknapp said that he wants Tottenham Hotspur's Premier League opener against Everton on Saturday to go ahead, as the league makes its decision today as to whether police resources containing the rioting across the country can cover matches as well. 

0813: RUGBY LEAGUE - Bradford back Shaun Ainscough has agreed a one-year extension to his contract with the option for a further year.The 21-year-old has made just nine appearances in an injury-hit first season since joining from Wigan Warriors.

0800: CRICKET - The second day of the third Test between England and India resumes at 1100 BST with England 84-0. There is live ball-by-ball Test Match Special commentary on BBC 5 live sports extra, BBC Radio 4 Long Wave and the BBC Sport website and live text commentary on the website too.

0800 BST: - Top transfer stories from


Tottenham may turn their attention to Villarreal's Giuseppe Rossi again as Athletic Bilbao are unwilling to accept an offer for Fernando Llorente.

Carlos Tevez is set to move to Inter Milan on loan - if the Serie A club sell Samuel Eto'o to Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.


Chelsea will offer Yossi Benayoun to Spurs as they try to seal the signing of Luka Modric.

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Arsenal's Cesc Fabregas on verge of Barcelona move

Fabregas started his career with Barcelona at the age of 10

Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas is close to signing for European champions Barcelona for a fee believed to be about £35m.

The transfer, one of the most protracted in Premier League history, is yet to be completed but Arsenal expect it to be done by the weekend.
According to a senior source at the club, all the funds generated by the sale will be reinvested in new players.
The Gunners have been linked with Scott Dann, Phil Jagielka and Gary Cahill.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger looks intent on strengthening his defence and reports have suggested centre-backs Dann of Birmingham, Everton's Jagielka and Cahill of Bolton could be targets.
Fabregas, 24, would be unable to feature for Barcelona in the Champions League if he plays a part in Arsenal's match with Udinese on Tuesday, motivating both clubs to complete a deal before that game.

Dan Roan on Fabregas saga

Despite the potential loss of a great player and captain, many Arsenal fans will greet the conclusion of one of football's most protracted transfer sagas with a sense of relief. Fabregas' departure will cap off a traumatic few months for Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger must now reinvest wisely in order to appease fans after six seasons without a trophy. The purchase of targets like Juan Mata and Phil Jagielka would be a start as Arsenal seek to rebuild their side around Jack Wilshere, and compete with wealthier rivals. In short Arsenal must move on from Fabregas, and quickly.

The BBC understands a fee of £30m, plus over £5m of additional performance-related payments, is close to being reached for Fabregas.
It is believed that, if he is sold, the Spaniard will be due £4m in compensation - £1m for each year of his contract he did not complete - but may be prepared to forego that payment in order to facilitate a deal.
Negotiations have been conducted by Barcelona's Vice-President Josep Maria Bartomeu and is believed to be a final take-it-or-leave-it offer, leaving Arsenal having to sell one of the major assets or keep a player who has his heart set on a move.
The transfer fee is significantly less than the £40m that Arsenal had been holding out for and suggests that the Gunners felt they had no choice but to sell a player who wanted to leave.
Fabregas, who has 58 caps for Spain, joined Arsenal from the Catalan giants in 2003 and, since making his name in north London, has been persistently linked with a return to his boyhood club.
Wenger will now turn his attention to keeping Samir Nasri at the club, who has refused to sign a new deal at the Emirates amid speculation of interest from Manchester City.
If the Fabregas deal goes through as expected, he will become Barcelona's second major signing of the summer following their £23m purchase of Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez.

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Luke Donald into contention at WGC Invitational

WGC-Bridgestone Invitational third round leaderboard (par=70)

• -12: A Scott (Aus)
• -11: R Ishikawa (Jpn), J Day (Aus)
• -10: M Laird (Sco), K Bradley (US)
• -9: L Donald (Eng), F Jacobson (Swe), R Fowler (US)
• -8: Z Johnson (US)
• Selected others -7: R McIlroy (NI)
• -4: L Westwood (Eng)
• +1: T Woods (US), P Mickelson (US)
• +8: G McDowell (NI)
• +10: D Clarke (NI), I Poulter (Eng)

Donald birdied three of his opening four holes at Firestone

World number one Luke Donald carded the joint best round of the day with a 64 to trail by three shots after the third round of the WGC Invitational in Ohio.

Donald is in a share of sixth, while overnight leader Adam Scott posted a 66 to reach 12 under and take a one-stroke lead over Ryo Ishikawa and Jason Day.
Rory McIlroy is five back after a 67, and world number two Lee Westwood trails by eight following a 68.
Tiger Woods shot a 72 to finish in a share of 38th place at one over.
Resuming on one under in a share of 36th, Woods was in the rare position of being out at 0700 local time in the first group, as the 76-man field was cut in half and sent out in threes from two tees to avoid the threat of thunderstorms later in the day.
Playing partner Ian Poulter went left off the tee, needed two more shots to find the fairway, went long with his fourth and took three more from 15 feet to record a triple bogey seven.
Poulter suffered a double bogey at the third and another triple bogey at the 14th in a disastrous round of 80 that left him 22 shots behind Scott at 10 over.
Woods hit a fine approach to six feet at the 15th to collect his second birdie but dropped a third shot of the day at the par-five 16th after sending his pitch into the bunker.
Scott played smoothly again to open a one-shot advantage Remarkably Bubba Watson's tee shot travelled over 400 yards at that 667-yard hole, and he took an iron for his second from 247 yards.
McIlroy, after birdies at the two previous holes, missed a five foot birdie chance at the last but finished with a 67, while Westwood dropped only one shot in his 68.
Donald sank a six-foot putt at the 17th for his seventh birdie of the day but took three from the edge of the green at the last.
"I finally made a few putts and felt very comfortable," the 33-year-old said. "Less thoughts seemed to work today. I hit a lot of fairways and greens and gave myself a lot of opportunities."
Rookie Keegan Bradley, who qualified courtesy of his victory at the Byron Nelson Championship in May, holed a tricky curling putt from seven feet at the sixth for his third birdie of the day and was two clear at 11 under midway through the round.
The world number 115 had gone 43 consecutive holes without a dropped shot before his approach to the 13th went just through the green into thick rough.
Scotsman Martin Laird finished 10 under and said: "If I keep hitting the ball as well as I did today and make a few putts I feel I can make a charge."
Scott, the first round leader and one of four co-leaders after day two, is the man to catch, however.
The 31-year-old Australian played a sublime pitch from 100 yards at the long 16th to within a foot of the flag for his third birdie in succession and collected six in total.
In other notable shots of the day, Jim Furyk had a hole-in-one at the fifth and joint overnight leader Rickie Fowler holed his second shot from the 11th fairway, the 22-year-old finishing only three adrift.

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Chelsea agree deal to sign Anderlecht's Romelu Lukaku

Belgian Lukaku has been likened to Chelsea striker Didier Drogba

Chelsea have agreed a deal to sign the teenage Anderlecht striker Romelu Lukaku.

The 18-year-old will join the Premier League side, subject to passing a medical and agreeing personal terms.
Anderlecht announced the sale of Lukaku on their website, but did not reveal the fee. Chelsea reportedly had an £18m bid turned down last month.
"He's an interesting young prospect," said boss Andre Villas-Boas after Chelsea's win over Rangers on Saturday.
"The situation is now that we have to position ourselves to maybe get this kind of talent."
Lukaku became a household name in Belgium when he was top scorer in the domestic league in the 2009-2010 season aged 16.

It's a shame we have to let go of Romelu, but the transfer is a win-win situation for the player and the club

Anderlecht manager Herman van Holsbeeck

"It's a shame we have to let go of Romelu, who was scouted and trained by Anderlecht, but the transfer is a win-win situation for the player and the club," said Anderlecht manager Herman van Holsbeeck.
It comes as winger Yury Zhirkov, 27, was set to leave Chelsea for Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala.
No details have been released on the Zhirkov transfer fee either but reports in Russian suggest it will be £13.2m.
The 27-year-old, who joined Chelsea from CSKA Moscow two years ago, is expected to sign a four-year contract with Anzhi.
Zhirkov, who joined Chelsea for £18m and has made 49 appearances for the club, was presented to the crowd before Anzhi's home league match against Tom Tomsk on Saturday.
"I'm very happy to be here in Makhachkala," he told supporters.

WHO IS Romelu Lukaku?

• Born in Antwerp on 13 May, 1993
• Scored 121 goals in 68 games as a youth player for Lierse
• Turned professional with Anderlecht on his 16th birthday and made his debut 11 days later
• Since scored 33 goals in 73 goals
• Has nine international caps for Belgium, scoring twice

"I hope to make my Anzhi debut in our next game against Spartak Moscow [next Sunday]."
But despite the presentation, Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas said the deal was not yet complete.
He said: "Yury is in between reaching a full agreement, between club and player, with Anzhi and in the end it was mostly his decision.
"It is a great financial offer for him, it is a return home and I think he has decided to part company."

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England 23-19 Wales

By Bryn Palmer
BBC Sport at Twickenham

England (13) 23

• Tries: Haskell, Tuilagi
• Cons: Wilkinson 2
• Pen: Wilkinson
• Drop-goals: Wilkinson 2

Wales (7) 19

• Tries: North 2, Williams
• Cons: Priestland 2

Leicester centre Tuilagi showed glimpses of his pace and power at Twickenham

England survived a Welsh second-half recovery to inch to victory in both sides' opening World Cup warm-up match at Twickenham.

Jonny Wilkinson's early penalty put England ahead but Wales led 7-3 after a well-worked try for George North.
A close-range score from James Haskell and a Wilkinson drop-goal saw the hosts lead 13-7 at the interval, before Manu Tuilagi's debut try put England in command.
Shane Williams reduced Welsh arrears before Wilkinson's second drop-goal, but North's second try late on ensured a tense finish.
If England could take satisfaction in victory, and Wales encouragement in out-scoring their hosts three tries to two, there were also worrying sights for both countries.
Wales saw Morgan Stoddart - a late starter at full-back after Stephen Jones was injured in the warm-up and Rhys Priestland moved to fly-half - carried off with a broken leg, while England captain Lewis Moody had to be helped off with what appeared to be a knee problem.
While they wait to see if their World Cup prospects have already ended, two much-changed line-ups are likely to lock horns again in Cardiff next Saturday.
If Twickenham regulars were faced with the unfamiliar sight of England in their new all-black change kit, Wilkinson quickly had them back in the old routine with a well-struck penalty after five minutes.
But the visitors absorbed England's early pressure and took the lead in style in the 17th minute, Jonathan Davies sending North over in the right corner after Wales had battered away for 17 phases.
Williams produced a typically efficient finish for Wales Priestland converted from out wide and Wales then threatened as Toby Faletau led a break out and almost sent Jonathan Davies away, but a crucial intercept from Delon Armitage allowed the full-back to counter, weaving between three Welsh defenders on a thrilling 50m run before Stoddart hauled him down.
But Wales conceded a scrum five metres out after failing to secure their own line-out ball, and England wheeled it successfully to allow Haskell to barge over from close range, Wilkinson's conversion making it 10-7 after 25 minutes.
Wilkinson added a simple drop-goal three minutes before the interval and the second half was barely three minutes old when Tuilagi gave a glimpse of the excitement that has surrounded his swift elevation.
Wilkinson appeared to be running up a blind alley inside the Welsh 22 but slipped an inside ball to Tuilagi and the 20-year-old powered through two defenders and held off Stoddart's last-ditch tackle to score under the posts, Wilkinson adding the extras.
The Welsh full-back, who had performed manfully, was carried off minutes later, and the sight of Shane Williams cutting across field and running straight into Jamie Roberts did little to lift the visitors' spirits.
But Wales' record try-scorer got his angles right in the 56th minute to score his 54th try in his 80th Test for his country.
England sent on five replacements in quick succession, Mouritz Botha and Charlie Sharples making their Test debuts, while Wales also brought on reinforcements as the game became increasingly fractured.

Wilkinson gave England an 11-point cushion with his second drop-goal just after the hour, before Moody departed in ominous fashion.
Wales stuck to their task and Sam Warburton twice went close to scoring before, with five minutes to go, North cruised over for his second try.
Priestland's conversion ensured a nervy finish for England, but they held on in their only home Test before departing for New Zealand.
England: Armitage, Banahan, Tuilagi, Flutey, Cueto, Wilkinson, Care; Corbisiero, Hartley, Stevens, Shaw, Palmer , Croft, Moody (capt), Haskell. Replacements: Mears (for Hartley, 58), Wilson (for Stevens, 58, Stevens 71 for Corbisiero), Botha (for Shaw, 58), Wood (for Moody, 61), Wigglesworth (for Care, 58), Hodgson (for Wilkinson, 76), Sharples (for Tuilagi, 59).
Wales: Stoddart, North, Davies, Roberts, Shane Williams, Priestland, Phillips; James, Bennett, Mitchell, Davies, AW Jones, Lydiate, Warburton (capt), Faletau. Replacements: Burns (for Bennett, 65), Bevington (for James, 65), Charteris (for AW Jones, 65), R Jones (for Faletau, 55), Knoyle (for Phillips, 61), Scott Williams (for Stoddart, 48), Lloyd Williams.

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Carlos Tevez return to Manchester City training delayed

Tevez scored 23 goals for Manchester City last season

Manchester City say they have granted Carlos Tevez extended leave and expect him to report for training on Monday.

It means Tevez will miss Sunday's Community Shield game against former club Manchester United at Wembley.
City had earlier said he was due to return on Thursday, although BBC Sport understands that, as of Wednesday afternoon, Tevez was still abroad.
In June the 27-year-old Argentine said he would never return to Manchester "even on vacation".
He later asked to leave the club for personal reasons but a £40m move to Brazil side Corinthians collapsed.
A City spokesman said there would be a light training session for the whole squad on Monday.
"Carlos has now been given extended leave so he can return on Monday, which is 21 days after Argentina's exit from the Copa America," said the spokesman.

TEVEZ SAGA TIMELINE

• 12 December 2010 - Tevez says he is going to leave Man City
• 20 December 2010 - Withdraws transfer request and commits future to club
• 16 May 2011 - Says he will only stay at club if solution found to "family issues"
• 8 June 2011 - Tevez says he will never return to "small and wet" Manchester
• 4 July - Confirms he is going to leave Manchester City
• 21 July - Potential move to Corinthians breaks down
• 22 July - Is pictured with Marco Branca, the head of technical staff at Inter Milan
• 4 Aug - Is due to report back to training at Manchester City

As well as Corinthians, Argentina striker Tevez has been linked with Inter Milan and Real Madrid.
The Brazilian side pulled out of the transfer saying there was not enough time to complete a deal before the Brazilian transfer window closed at 0400 BST on Thursday, 21 July.
Tevez's advisor said his client still wanted to leave Manchester City to spend more time with his family in South America but was not "overly worried" by the collapse of the Corinthians deal.
"This is Carlos Tevez we are talking about, one of the best players in the world. We are not overly worried," Kia Joorabchian told BBC Sport.
"He wants to leave but is still a City player at the moment and we will of course respect that."
The former West Ham and Manchester United player missed City's pre-season tour of the United States because he played in the Copa America for Argentina.
City gave him special dispensation to return to pre-season training later than his team-mates because of his involvement in the tournament.
At the end of July, City manager Roberto Mancini admitted he had still not been able to contact his captain and 
That meeting was later passed off as a coincidence.
Tevez missed the  on Wednesday and also did not take part in their 

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