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OTB Brief | Chelsea edge closer, Tiger on return, Rashford degree

Here's a snapshot of what you need to know on this Wednesday morning in the OTB Brief. Get more n...



OTB Brief | Chelsea edge close...
Soccer

OTB Brief | Chelsea edge closer, Tiger on return, Rashford degree

Here's a snapshot of what you need to know on this Wednesday morning in the OTB Brief.

Get more news, reaction and analysis on today's OTB AM.

SOCCER

Olivier Giroud's sixth goal in ten games strengthened Chelsea's claim on a top-four place in the Premier League.

The French striker's goal in first half injury time was enough to give Frank Lampard's side a 1-nil win over relegated Norwich City at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea are four-points clear of Manchester United this morning.

Wolves continue their own quest for Champions League football this evening with a trip to Burnley.

Elsewhere, third from bottom Bournemouth go to Manchester City.

And Newcastle United entertain Tottenham Hotspur.

All of those matches kick off at 6.

At 8.15, champions Liverpool are away to Arsenal.

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CHAMPIONSHIP

Hull's chances of avoiding relegation from the Championship look a little bleaker this morning.

They were thrashed 8-nil by Wigan last night - and remain a point from safety.

Middlesbrough increased hopes of beating the drop with a 2-1 triumph over Reading, while Luton drew 1-all against QPR.

West Brom's nil-nil draw with Fulham edged them a bit closer to automatic promotion.

Cardiff's play-off push remains on track following a 2-1 victory against Derby, and Millwall beat Blackburn 1-nil to remain in the hunt for the top six.

Sheffield Wednesday versus Huddersfield finished goalless.

Brentford can move within a point of the top two by winning against Preston this evening.

Fifth placed Nottingham Forest host Swansea - who are just outside the play-off spots.

Charlton can pull further away from the bottom three if they get the better of Birmingham and Bristol City take on Stoke.

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SCOTLAND RELEGATION

Hearts and Partick say they're "incredulous" to have received a charge from the Scottish FA.

The clubs have been hit with a notice of complaint for taking their battle against relegation to court, after Covid-19 ended the season in Scotland early.

The case is due to go to arbitration next month.

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GOLF - TIGER

Tiger Woods has poured cold water on his potential Ryder Cup captaincy.

It's been suggested that his captaincy of the President's Cup team could be a precursor to him leading the USA in Italy.

But Woods claims that no discussions have been held regarding future captaincy roles.

The 15-time Major-winner will play alongside Rory McIlroy and Brooks Koepka for the first rounds of this week's Memorial Tournament in Ohio.

Woods says he'll need to get used to COVID 19 protocols.

Meanwhile, Jack Nicklaus insists he will not let the Covid-19 outbreak get in the way of the traditional congratulatory handshake he affords the winner at the Memorial Tournament he hosts.

Nicklaus says "I'm going to shake their hand. I'm going to walk right out there and shake your hand," said Nicklaus. 

"If they don't want to shake my hand, that's fine, I'll give them a fist bump or an elbow bump, but I'm not going to give them Covid-19. I wouldn't put anybody in that position.”

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RACING

There's a seven-race card at Killarney this evening with the first off at 4.25.

Meanwhile at Downpatrick, a seven-race card goes to post at 1.

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MARCUS RASHFORD DEGREE

Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford will receive an honorary doctorate from The University of Manchester later this summer.

The award, which is the highest honour the university can bestow, will be "for his remarkable campaign against child poverty off the field and outstanding sporting achievements on the pitch".

Rashford helped FareShare collect £20 million, enabling 3.9 million meals to be given out to vulnerable children.

At 22, Rashford will be the youngest ever recipient of an honorary degree from the university and joins Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Bobby Charlton on the list of those who have have received one.

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