National sport, UK sport news - SundayMercury.net

Zara to ride with Olympic torch

The Olympic torch will be in royal hands for the first time on Wednesday.Read

US finale for Clijsters

Former world number one Kim Clijsters has confirmed that the US Open in August will be her last tournament before she retires from the sport for a second and final time.Read

Parker to be checked

Roy Hodgson will assess the fitness of key midfielder Scott Parker when the England squad assembles on Wednesday to launch their preparations for Euro 2012.Read

Ronaldo shocked by Rio Euro absence

Cristiano Ronaldo believes Roy Hodgson has made a mistake by not picking his former Manchester United team-mate Rio Ferdinand for Euro 2012 but the Real Madrid star still believes England can do well.Read

Drogba: It's Torres' time to shine

Didier Drogba maintains next season will see the best of Fernando Torres at Chelsea as the Ivory Coast striker prepares for life after Stamford Bridge.Read

Solskjaer not heading to Villa

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has pulled out of the running to become the new Aston Villa manager, Press Association Sport understands.Read

Real is 'perfect challenge' for Mourinho

Jose Mourinho believes the task of leading Real Madrid for the next four years represents "the perfect challenge" for the next stage of his coaching career after he signed a new deal with the club.Read

Care bares his soul

Danny Care is determined to repay the faith of those who stuck by him during a troubled season and inspire Harlequins to their first Aviva Premiership title.Read

Hargreaves released by City

Midfielder Owen Hargreaves has been released by Manchester City after his short-term deal expired.Read

I won't stop tweeting - KP

Kevin Pietersen has brushed off concerns his latest Twitter outburst could land him in trouble with the England and Wales Cricket Board and has no plans to tone down his comments on the micro-blogging site.Read

Drogba to leave Chelsea

Didier Drogba will leave Chelsea when his contract runs out at the end of June, the club have announced on their website.Read

Haye rejects jibes from Klitschko camp

David Haye has rubbished claims from Vitali Klitschko's manager that he is "afraid" of facing the Ukrainian heavyweight.Read

Broad up to third in rankings

Stuart Broad has achieved a career-best position in the latest ICC Player Rankings following his maiden 10-wicket haul in England's first Test victory over the West Indies, which concluded at Lord's on Monday.Read

Mourinho extends Bernabeu stay

Jose Mourinho has signed a new contract with Real Madrid which ties him to the club until 2016, the Primera Division champions have announced.Read

Injury forces Leamy to hang up boots

Denis Leamy has become the third Munster player this season to announce an early retirement due to injury.Read

Fans' group challenge Liverpool owners

Liverpool owners have been challenged to publicly explain their strategy for the club by a leading fans' group.Read

Williams 'proud' of torch role

Winter Olympics gold medallist Amy Williams said carrying the Olympic torch was an "amazing feeling".Read

ECB announce India tour itinerary

The England and Wales Cricket Board have announced England's winter tour to India will comprise of four Tests, five one-day internationals and two Twenty20s.Read