Coutts on verge of quitting
Sailing: Rumours that Russell Coutts, the New Zealand sailor, is on the verge of quitting Alinghi, the Swiss holders of the America’s Cup, seemed to be confirmed on Saturday when Alinghi issued a statement implying that Coutts was sulking and was not prepared to helm their boat at the UBS Trophy in Newport, Rhode Island. “We hoped that Russell Coutts would be helming and leading us to victory at the UBS Trophy today. He clearly decided not to helm. We therefore have decided to rely on Peter Holmberg and Jochen Schümann to helm for us during the rest of the week,” Alinghi said.
Ireland alone
Bowls: England will have to beat Ireland by a huge margin in Jersey this morning if they are to retain the British women’s outdoor team title, but they are also depending on Wales beating Scotland, who have won all their matches so far. The Scots, who beat the holders in the opening match on Saturday, added 113-79 and 98-91 victories over Jersey and Ireland yesterday.
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Jersey cream
Rugby union: Ireland carry the flag for the home nations in the IRB Under-21 World Championship in Scotland as England’s lack of scoring power cost them the chance of a top-four place. New Zealand, Australia and Ireland enter the knockout stage unbeaten while South Africa go through after picking up bonus points for scoring more than four tries in every match.
England and Wales are in the group competing for fifth place, England facing Argentina and Wales playing France. Scotland, who play Tonga on Wednesday, can finish no higher than ninth.
Thames impress
Rowing: Thames took the elite eights event at Henley Women’s Regatta in style over Nereus, of the Netherlands. Both crews beat American opposition in the semi-finals, then the home crew led from start to finish in the final to win by one length.
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Mitchell dies
Motorcycling: Darren Mitchell, from Huddersfield, died from injuries sustained in a multiple crash on the opening lap of the National Superstock Championship at Brands Hatch. The meeting was abandoned after the pile-up that left seven riders injured.
Defeat for Jones
Athletics: Marion Jones suffered an unexpected defeat over 100 metres in the Prefontaine Classic meeting in Eugene. The Olympic champion finished fifth behind Inger Miller, the former world 200 metres gold medal-winner.