Residents and holidaymakers in Bermuda are battening down the hatches as Hurricane Gonzalo churns towards them as a major Category 3 storm.

Hurricane Gonzalo has gathered strength as it moves away from the eastern end of the Caribbean, and forecasters say it could become a powerful category 4 storm as it heads towards Bermuda.

European Ryder Cup vice-captain Des Smyth will get an early chance to reacquaint himself with the rigours of the role when he teams up with Miguel Angel Jimenez for the inaugural EurAsia Cup in Malaysia in two weeks.

Juventus have confirmed the signing of striker Carlos Tevez from Manchester City on a three-year deal.

Cristiano Ronaldo wants to put last night’s Champions League semi-final exit to Borussia Dortmund to one side and win the Copa del Rey.

BARCELONA defender Gerard Pique has hailed team-mate Lionel Messi as the finest player in the world as the Argentinian waits to discover if he has won the FIFA Ballon d’Or award for 2011 today.

Real Madrid director general Jorge Valdano insists the Spanish giants have not been in contact with Arsenal regarding a possible move for Cesc Fabregas.

ULSTER got the massive fillip they wanted ahead of next week’s crucial home Euro date against Biarritz with a comfortable Magners League victory over Treviso, despite failing to register a point in the second half.

Gonzalo Jara has returned to West Brom after an extended break following World Cup duty and is set to play in the weekend friendly with Osasuna.

CARLOS TEVEZ has been working with a nutritionist and personal trainer for the last year to ensure he reaches the World Cup in peak condition.

TERMS such as “failure”, “catastrophe” and “nightmare” filled the Spanish press yesterday in the wake of Real Madrid’s Champions League exit at the hands of Lyon.

REAL MADRID will attempt to put themselves in a position to end five years of Champions League hurt tonight when they take on Lyon in the first leg of their last 16 tie at Stade Gerland.

Volvo China Open leader Richard Finch insisted he will take tomorrow’s final round one hole at a time as he looks to secure the third European Tour victory of his career.

Ireland came from behind to clinch a 1-1 draw with Liga Vitalis side Portimonese in Portugal today in what was new manager Giovanni Trapattoni's first game in charge.

Nick Faldo has named England’s Simon Dyson and Scot Marc Warren as his two wild cards for Britain and Ireland’s defence of the Seve Trophy at The Heritage near Dublin next week.

VILLARREAL midfielder Robert Pires will be sidelined for around six months after tearing the cruciate ligament in his left knee.

Rangers 2 Villarreal 2

London Irish have signed Argentina centre Gonzalo Tiesi.

Manchester United’s Champions League campaign faces being plunged into total darkness at the Stadium of Light next month.

Villarreal 2 Everton 1 (Villarreal win 4-2 on aggregate)