Jackson takes first world title
Bowls: It made a change to witness England and Australia co-operating at Potters Leisure Resort in Norfolk yesterday, when Billy Jackson, from Lincoln, and the Sydney-based Scot, David Gourlay, defeated Mervyn King, from Fakenham, and Kelvin Kerkow, from Queensland, for the WBT world indoor pairs title. Jackson drew his bowls to within inches of the jack on consecutive ends in the tie-break as he and Gourlay won 9-6, 3-12, 2-0.
Gourlay, the world No 2, had won the title before and was singles champion in 1996, but it was Jackson’s first world title, and it delighted the world No 13. “I thought I would feel nervous in my first final, but playing with this guy [Gourlay] I was totally relaxed,” Jackson, 35, said. King will have a chance to gain revenge. He meets Jackson in the second round of the singles on Friday, when he needs to win to collect enough points to guarantee a place in next year’s event.
Kessler threat
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Boxing: Joe Calzaghe, the WBO super-middleweight champion, may believe he can secure his place as the best in the division when he faces Jeff Lacy, the IBF champion, on March 4, but he could be challenged by Mikkel Kessler, who retained his WBA title by forcing Eric Lucas, of Canada, to retire in the tenth round in Copenhagen on Saturday.
Boucher seals it
Cricket: Mark Boucher steered South Africa to a five-wicket win over Australia in the second one-day international in Brisbane yesterday. Chasing a target of 228, South Africa made a steady start before stuttering to 162 for five but they cruised home with no further loss thanks to an unbeaten 63 from the wicketkeeper.
Linden slip up
Netball: Linden’s hopes of securing an unprecedented seventh national clubs league title suffered a setback when they lost 54-49 to Oaksway. They remain in pole position ahead of Cambell and must beat Hucclecote in their final match in a fortnight’s time to claim the crown.
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Funds for Gregory
Rugby league: Warrington beat Widnes 21-20 in a pre-season friendly yesterday, raising about £50,000 for their former player Mike Gregory, who is seriously ill with what the club believe is motor neurone disease. Gregory says it could be muscular atrophy.
Bekele takes title
Cross country: Kenenisa Bekele was in ominous form as he won the VisitScotland Great Edinburgh International Cross-Country at Holyrood Park on Saturday. The Ethiopian, 23, beat Saif Saaeed Shaheen into second place.