Europe’s bid to retain the Ryder Cup on American soil will need a resuscitating at Medinah Country Club today after last night’s second session saw the United States take a firm grip on the contest with a 5-3 lead.

Tottenham 1 West Brom 1

Vera Zvonareva edged a gruelling Centre Court battle with US Open champion Kim Clijsters today to set up a Wimbledon semi-final against the unseeded Tsvetana Pironkova.

THEO WALCOTT admits watching Barcelona pass the ball around Emirates Stadium on Wednesday night was like a video game at times – but has warned the Champions League holders Arsenal will be the ones out to take control in the Nou Camp next week.

The heads of the Belgian royal family today began a busy three-day state visit to Ireland which included several joint and separate engagements.

FOR ALL Kim Clijsters cared, they could have ripped the cheques up right in front of her.

International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Jacques Rogge believes there will always be a doping problem but claims great advances have been made to stamp out cheating in sport.

Carlos Moya continued his fine form of 2002 to sweep past Dick Norman and into the second round of the Australian Open.

Losing IOC presidential candidate Dick Pound has launched an attack on the politics within the committee.