Russia striker Artem Dzyuba yesterday hit out at English fans following trouble in Marseille, saying that they were being depicted as “angels” and that there were political motivations for blaming Russian supporters.

World and Olympic sprint king Usain Bolt will warm up for his defence of the 100 metres and 200m Olympic titles at the London Anniversary Games in July he confirmed yesterday.

Argentine Maximiliano Richeze led a South American one-two ahead of race leader Peter Sagan on the fourth stage of the Tour of Switzerland yesterday.

A Spanish court yesterday reversed a decision to destroy blood bags seized as part of the Operation Puerto doping scandal, which may allow authorities to identify more sportspeople implicated in the high-profile case.

England captain Alastair Cook said he was looking forward to the challenge of facing Pakistan following his side’s commanding Test series win over Sri Lanka.

Spin bowling great Anil Kumble is among the biggest names to have applied for the high-profile job as India head coach, according to media reports.

Marlon Samuels produced his best batting effort in One-Day International cricket against Australia to lead the West Indies to a six-wicket victory in the fifth match of the Tri-Nation series at Warner Park in St Kitts on Monday.

Short on pure talent, Italy have made sacrifice, suffering and unity their watchwords at Euro 2016 although it remains to be seen whether they can keep up such extraordinary intensity throughout the tournament.

Albania are unlikely to pose much of a threat to France but Paul Pogba and Antoine Griezmann will be expected to produce sharper performances in today’s Group A match when victory should assure the hosts a last 16 spot in Euro 2016.

Romania coach Anghel Iordanescu must decide whether veteran left back Razvan Rat can repel the danger of Xherdan Shaqiri in what could be the defining confrontation of his team’s Euro 2016 clash with Switzerland today.

Fresh from holding England in Marseille in their Euro 2016 Group B opener, Russia face Slovakia in Lille today knowing a win would all but secure progression to the last 16.

Dawn comes misty and cold on the steep sides of the Nyaru escarpment as Kenya’s Olympic men’s marathon team begin their training run, a line-up of veteran athletes including a current lawmaker.