Briefs

A round-up of today's other stories in brief

Stephen Lee 'has case to answer' over match-fixing allegations

SNOOKER:Snooker had a match-fixing case on its hands after the governing body told Stephen Lee he has "a case to answer" following an investigation.

Lee (38), a former world No 5 who started the season at No 8, is alleged to have breached World Professional Snooker and Billiards Association rules at four tournaments, including the 2009 World Championship.

Speaking about the Trowbridge player, who maintains his innocence, the WPBSA said in a statement today it had considered a “large amount of material” before deciding to take action against Lee, who has been suspended from the sport since October 12th.

“The case will be heard at a formal independent hearing . . . at a date to be arranged,” the WPBSA said. In a statement, the regulatory body said: “The WPBSA has gathered a large amount of material from the Gambling Commission, West Midlands Police and third parties in relation to these allegations.

“The available evidence has now been considered and in accordance with the disciplinary rules, the chairman of the disciplinary committee has decided that there is a case for Stephen Lee to answer in relation to a breach of the WPBSA members rules.”

Simmons says professionalism key to Ireland's success

CRICKET:Ireland have awarded 17 central contracts for the 2013 season.

The list includes five top-tier 'A' deals for domestic players, a further eight 'B' contracts which predominantly cover the country's County Championship players and a new 'C' band for those currently in full-time education.

Max Sorensen has been elevated to the A bracket alongside the established quartet of Trent Johnston, John Mooney, Alex Cusack and Kevin O'Brien. County cricket regulars George Dockrell, Ed Joyce, Tim Murtagh, Niall O'Brien, William Porterfield, Paul Stirling and Gary Wilson are joined by Andrew White in the B group.

The final category consists of up-and-coming prospects Peter Chase, Tyrone Kane, James Shannon and Stuart Thompson.

National coach Phil Simmons said: "There's no doubt that a key part of our success to date has been the move to professionalism.

"It makes such a difference as a coach to be able to work with players on a regular basis and this has been reflected in our dominance at Associate level over the past five or six years."

French not to test cyclists in Paris-Nice

CYCLING:The French Anti-Doping Agency (AFLD) will not carry out tests on the Paris-Nice stage race this year, citing a disagreement with the International Cycling Union (UCI).

"Given the serious mistakes that were made before, the AFLD has considered that it could not lend its support to the international federation in carrying out tests on the Paris-Nice race," the AFLD said yesterday.

The two organisations have long been at loggerheads with the AFLD saying that the UCI had not followed correct procedures during testing on the 2009 Tour de France. The UCI denied the allegations. The UCI came under heavy fire in last year's US Anti-Doping Agency report that led to Lance Armstrong's demise.

Pakistan recover from poor start

CRICKET:Younus Khan and Asad Shafiq made fine centuries as Pakistan recovered from a poor start to reach 253 for five on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa at Newlands yesterday. Having been reduced to 33 for four before lunch, a 219-run fifth-wicket stand between Younus (111) and Shafiq (111 not out) made the South African bowlers toil in the sun after captain Graeme Smith had won the toss.

The hosts dismissed Younus shortly before the close to leave the match evenly poised. Smith had spoken about a "dangerous" Pakistan side and so it proved as Younus and Shafiq started watchfully before accelerating after tea.

South Africa lead the three-match series 1-0 after a 211-run win in Johannesburg.

Froome leads Tour of Oman

CYCLING:Britain's Chris Froome took the overall lead in the Tour of Oman after finishing second in the fourth stage yesterday.

Froome, a Team Sky rider who was 13th overall after the third day, finished four seconds behind the stage winner, Joaquim Rodríguez of Katusha, who won the 143.5km ride from Samail to Jabal Al Akhdhar in three and a half hours. Two Tour de France winners followed: Cadel Evans finished 22 seconds back in third and Alberto Contador 27seconds back in fourth. Ireland's Matt Brammeier was 101st on yesterday's stage.