grand slam

By Stewart Primrose

Andy Murray made a winning start as he bids to win his first Grand Slam and Wimbledon title.

The Scot won in four sets, 7-5, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4, but had to endure a scare as his opponent Robert Kendrick took the second set and threatened throughout their encounter.

Murray battles through

Kendrick, ranked 76 in the world, strengthened as the match went on and with his big, powerful forehand won an impressive tie break to level matters up.

Murray, who looked passive throughout, improved in the third set, which was epitomised with some impressive serves. He managed to take the set fairly comfortably and this was repeated in the fourth and final set.

In truth Murray did not play great, but did not need to and his performance was solid and good enough to beat an inspired opponent. He will have to up his game as the tournament goes on, but it is clear to see he does have a few extra gears he can move up to. In any case, you do not want to play your best tennis at the start. It is all about timing it and hopefully this can happen a week on Sunday in the final.

Murray now plays Ernests Gulbis of Latvia, who is ranked 74^th in the world.

Hadden disappointed with result

By Stewart Primrose

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Ireland's Brian Carney runs with the ball courtesy of irishrugby

Scotland coach Frank Hadden feels his side should have won their latest 6 nations encounter, this time going down 22-15 against Ireland.

Scotland took a half time lead and were the better of the two sides but Ireland stepped up their game, only needing the 1 try to maintain their grand slam hopes.

“We had the game by the scruff of the neck. said Hadden

“The gap between the sides should have been greater in the first half.

“In the second half, Ireland did what they do very well, which is squeeze the life out of teams.”

The pressure has been mounting on the Scottish coach who yet again only has 1 win to his name in another championship. This came over the perennial wooden spooners Italy. Many pundits believed Hadden had to at least secure 2 victories to save his job. Scotland’s last match comes at Twickenham against England.

I’ve never, ever felt that kind of pressure because it’s all about focusing on the performance and the training,” said Hadden about speculation over his post.

“But I accept the discussion is inevitably going to be there because that’s not enough matches won.”

Scotland started the brighter of the teams and took a 12-9 lead at half time thanks to 4 penalties by Chris Paterson. After the break though, Ireland rallied and Jamie Heaslip touched down with the only try of the game to give Ireland the lead, which they never surrendered. This was aided by an O’Gara conversion, drop goal and penalty.

Ireland now only need to beat reigning champions Wales in Cardiff to give them their first Grand Slam for 61 years.