Bree is 'ready to explode' in 200m

Sports Digest/SWIMMING : Andrew Bree says he will be "ready to explode" when he gets on the blocks for the 200m breaststroke…

Sports Digest/SWIMMING: Andrew Bree says he will be "ready to explode" when he gets on the blocks for the 200m breaststroke heats tomorrow morning at the European short course championships in Debrecen, Hungary.

Bree said he enjoyed his swim in the 100m freestyle yesterday, using it to fine tune himself for his main event tomorrow.

"There are no second chances with the 200m because you don't have semi-finals but I love the big atmosphere and competing with the best.

"I'm feeling very relaxed about the race - I feel my stroke is very good and I'm ready to go and give it my best shot."

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MOTORSPORT: Finland's Heikki Kovalainen has been confirmed as Lewis Hamilton's team-mate at McLaren from next season.

Kovalainen (26) joins McLaren on what has been described as a "long-term contract" and will commence his driving duties with the team in early January.

BOXING: Ricky Hatton has returned to Britain, claiming he wants a rematch with Floyd Mayweather.

The Mancunian was beaten by the WBC welterweight champion in their showdown in Las Vegas last weekend.

Former world champion Hatton suggested after the defeat he may now return to light-welterweight - but he has not ruled out again fighting the man regarded as the world's best pound-for-pound boxer.

Hatton said: "A rematch could be in the offing, and there are fights at light-welterweight.

"My best attribute is I am fearless. I think it was working, up to the six-round stage there was not much in it then I lost my way a bit.

"I lost my rag and had a point taken off. But I've got lots of positives to take from the fight."

CRICKET: Captain Ricky Ponting marked his return to the side with an unbeaten century in Adelaide as Australia breezed into a 1-0 lead over New Zealand in the Chappell-Hadlee Trophy.

The Aussies were set a target of 254 for seven by the Black Caps in the first one-day international.

But Ponting, rested for the Twenty20 win on Wednesday, smashed 107 from just 108 balls to carry his side home under lights with seven wickets and more than seven overs to spare.

Adam Gilchrist and Matthew Hayden set the tone for the hosts' reply, reaching 69 in under seven overs.

Gilchrist smashed 51 from just 29 balls before falling to Chris Martin - and thereafter it was the Ponting show.

The Tasmanian, 33 next week, hit 14 fours. He lost no apparent momentum during a break for rain and was helped along the way by Michael Clarke, who made 48.

A sparkling 96 from Brendon McCullum had earlier helped New Zealand post what appeared to be a competitive total.

Wicketkeeper-batsman McCullum underpinned the Kiwis from the top of the order, but fast bowler Shaun Tait took three wickets to peg the tourists back.