SPORTS

Everton star Lukaku named Premier League Player of the Month for the Month of March

The Belgium international's fine form in front of goal has earned him a prestigious prize, as intense speculation regarding his future rages on. Everton striker Romelu Lukaku has been crowned Premier League Player of the Month for March. Belgium international Lukaku was in prime form for Ronald Koeman's side, scoring four times – including a double in the 4-0 demolition of Hull City. Lukaku is the top scorer in the Premier League, with 21 goals, and also provided a pair of assists over recent weeks as Everton moved into contention for a European place. “I’m really happy, [winning the award] gives me another boost," says the 23-year-old striker

Forget Real Madrid! Chelsea can give Hazard the success he deserves' – Conte

The Blues boss says that his star forward is part of his future plans and that they are building a team that can compete with the world's best. Antonio Conte has issued a warning that Chelsea will return to compete with Real Madrid in Europe, as Zinedine Zidane's side look to turn the head of Eden Hazard.

Hazard has been rumoured to have opened talks with Madrid over a summer move, but Conte thinks that the rumours are designed to "put difficulty in the mind of his players." The former Italy boss believes that Chelsea are big enough to resist offers, even from the European champions, for their star talent and revealed that his ambitions for the club are as high as they possibly could be.

Mourinho annoyed by defensive West Brom

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho complained about West Bromwich Albion’s defensive tactics following Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Old Trafford. It was United’s eight stalemate at Old Trafford this session and left them four points off the Champions League berths in fifth place in the Premier League table. United dominated the game, with Anthony Martial and Marouane Fellaini spurning chances, but West Brom almost snatched victory when David de Gea palmed Darren Fletcher’s shot against the bar.

Tottenham win at Burnley to cut Chelsea’s lead

Tottenham Hotspur cut the gap on the English Premier League leaders Chelsea as they overcame a stubborn Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday.  

TENNIS

Federer moves up rankings after Miami win

Swiss great Roger Federer has risen to fourth in the latest ATP rankings following his victory over Rafael Nadal in Sunday’s Miami Open final.

Federer climbs two places to fourth, while Nadal also moves up two places to fifth, but Japan’s Kei Nishikori slips three places to seventh.

Nishikori lost in the quarter-finals in Miami to Italy’s Fabio Fognini.

ATP rankings top 20

1. Andy Murray (GBR) 11,960 pts

2. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 7,915

3. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 5,785

4. Roger Federer (SUI) 5,305 (+2)

5. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 4,735 (+2)

6. Milos Raonic (CAN) 4,345 (-1)

7. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 4,310 (-3)

8. Marin Cilic (CRO) 3,385 (+1)

9. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3,385 (-1)

10. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 3,265

11. Gaël Monfils (FRA) 3,010

12. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 2,880 (+1)

13. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 2,790 (+1)

14. David Goffin (BEL) 2,705 (-2)

15. Jack Sock (USA) 2,510 (+2)

16. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 2,425

17. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 2,376 (-2)

18. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2,190

19. Pablo Carreno Busta (ESP) 2,025

20. Alexander Zverev (GER) 2,005