Ding holds firm Snooker
Ding Junhui, the pretournament favourite, beat Dominic Dale 4-2 to keep alive his chances of reaching the semi-finals of the Malta Cup at the Portomaso Hilton yesterday. The Chinese No 1 must beat or draw with Mark Williams in their group match to guarantee a place in the event’s knockout phase. John Higgins, the world champion, must avoid losing to Joe Perry today to top his group.
Ellis going Wests Rugby league
Leeds Rhinos will confirm today the departure of Gareth Ellis, 26, their Great Britain forward, who is to join Wests Tigers in the NRL on a three-year contract from 2009. Ellis follows Adrian Morley, who left Leeds for a five-year career with Sydney Roosters. Morley, now back in the Super League, will captain Warrington Wolves in their opening game tonight against an injury-hit Hull.