Newmans foil hat-trick hunt
Bowls: Brian and Nicky Brett, who were hoping to win the English father and son pairs title for a third time, were defeated in the semi-finals at Northampton yesterday by the eventual champions, Mike and Robert Newman, who beat them 16-10.
Robert Newman and Nicky Brett, who are in their 20s, are regular members of England teams indoors and out. The Newmans, from Reading, duly took the title when they defeated Johnny and Jackie Walker, from Copeland, in Cumbria, 20-14 in the final. Curiously, the new champions, who won the title in 1999, had beaten another pair of Walkers — John Sr and John Jr, from Blackburn — in the second round on Saturday.
Ponting’s plea
Cricket: Ricky Ponting, the Australia captain, called for greater security after missile throwing twice caused play to be halted during his side’s ten-run victory over New Zealand in the opening one-day international match in Wellington on Saturday. Glenn McGrath took four for 16 to secure Australia’s victory as New Zealand, who had been 218 for six, fell short when chasing Australia’s 236 for seven.
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Toseland crashes
Motorcycling: James Toseland, the world superbike champion, survived a crash on the final day of pre-season testing yesterday as his Ducati Xerox team were put in the shade by Suzuki. Toseland escaped without injury at the Losail circuit in Qatar less than a week before he begins his title defence. While Toseland waited for medical clearance, Yukio Kagayama, of Alstare Suzuki, led home Troy Corser, his team-mate.
Bromley’s battle
Bobsleighing: Kristan Bromley, of Great Britain, who is seeking his first World Championship medal to go with his European Championship and overall World Cup victories in the past two years, was fourth overnight in Calgary. The second two runs are today.
Tadros revenge
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Cycling: Peter Tadros, after three defeats, finally got the better of Duncan Urquhart, the Scot, yesterday, with a winning time of 37min 18sec in the Central Sussex 16.3 miles time-trial based on a circuit in Ashurst. Urquhart finished seven seconds slower in second place.
Mauresmo’s title
Tennis: Amélie Mauresmo, of France, won the WTA Proximus Diamond Games title in Antwerp, Belgium, yesterday after beating Venus Williams. Mauresmo won 4-6, 7-5, 6-4 for her first victory of the season, a week after losing to Dinara Safina, of Russia, in the final of the Paris Open.
Britons challenge
Golf: Colin Montgomerie recorded a round of 64 but, like Darren Clarke, was left wondering if weather would thwart his bid for victory at the rain-delayed Nissan Open in Los Angeles. Clarke was one shot off the lead and Montgomerie two as the third and final round started.
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Lancaster treble
Water polo: Lancaster made history by winning the British National Championships for a third successive season after a 7-4 victory over Rotherham in the men’s final at Manchester Aquatics Centre. Neil Bowers scored five goals, and Jamie McIlquham and Dougie Campbell the other two.