But, coming on the back of consecutive defeats, it was almost certainly too little too late.

BBC: Rogers is the star in Derbys win

Williams had solved Sharapova's game: Since that 2004 Wimbledon win, Sharapova is 1-7 against Williams with seven consecutive defeats.

WSJ: French Open 2012: Maria Sharapova's Time to Shine

The victory ended a run of three consecutive defeats in 2009 as Wales found the net for the first time this year.

BBC: Wales 1-0 Estonia

Meanwhile, world number two Roger Federer is looking to avenge three consecutive final defeats at the hands of Nadal.

CNN: Why do tennis greats struggle at the French Open?

Still, the Knick offense looked slightly better than it had in the previous two games, when it had been held to 71 and 82 points, respectively, in consecutive road defeats.

WSJ: The Knicks Live to Fight in Indy

But the grim reality for Owen Coyle's side is they have now suffered four consecutive league defeats and will continue to look nervously over their shoulders as the relegation battle comes to a head.

BBC: Chelsea 1-0 Bolton

Having just gone down 4-1 to South Africa, it was the first time Australia had suffered four consecutive ODI defeats since they lost five on the bounce against New Zealand and England in February 2007.

BBC: Kiwis snatch win in Perth opener

Villa, who leapfrog Arsenal into fourth, will be pleased to have ended a run of 12 consecutive league defeats at the hands of United and claimed their first point against the Old Trafford club since 2002.

BBC: Aston Villa 0-0 Man Utd

It meant the hosts were forced to follow on for the third consecutive match after innings defeats to Northamptonshire and Leicestershire.

BBC: Anyon increases Glamorgan misery