SPORTS DIGEST

Other sports news from around the world in brief

Lynch fifth in World Cup qualifier

EQUESTRIAN:Denis Lynch reserved his best form at the five-star show in Mechelen, Belgium until last night's FEI World Cup qualifier when finishing fifth on Flaminia Straumann's Nabab's Son, reports Margie McLoone.

Last of the 39 starters to tackle the 1.60-metre course, Tipperary-born Lynch was in prime position in the eight-horse jump-off but failed to build on the advantage when the 10-year-old Nabab's Son had one down in 40.21.

Three riders recorded double clears, first prize and top World Cup points going to the host nation's Ludo Philippaerts and the grey stallion Cavalor's Winningmood who broke the beam in 38.53.

Notre Pere poised to step up to Grade One action

RACING:Welsh National winner Notre Pere could now step up into Grade One company for the Irish Hennessy at Leopardstown on February 8th.

Jim Dreaper said he was surprised at the manner of the seven-year-old's runaway success at Chepstow on Saturday - but believes the handicapper may now have him in his grip.

"He's come out of the race in good form. He arrived back here at around 6.30am on Sunday morning and he is absolutely fine."

"I was amazed that he did it so well. It is difficult with a lazy horse like him because he shows nothing at home. . . I believe the handicappers in England and Ireland have put him up around 10lb so it is going to be difficult to win another handicap with him, but I can't complain as he's won two big ones now. I would imagine he will have an entry in some of the big races like the Irish Hennessy and if it came up bottomless ground, he might run into a place. . . I don't think he'll run in the Grand National at Aintree."

WBA investigate Holyfield fight 

BOXING:The WBA have announced they will investigate Nikolai Valuev's controversial majority decision victory over Evander Holyfield this month.

Holyfield, 46, failed narrowly to become the oldest heavyweight champion of all time as Valuev clinched a close verdict in Switzerland on December 20th.

After 12 tight rounds, the 'Russian Giant' was ahead 115-114 and 116-112 on two scorecards, while the third judge ruled it a 114-114 draw.

It was a spirited performance by the 46-year-old challenger, though, who almost clinched the heavyweight title for the fifth time. When the scorecards were read, boos rang out as the crowd favourite's narrow defeat was confirmed.

The organisation also revealed they "will give a decision accordingly in the following weeks". It remains unclear what action the association could take when the review is concluded, though the most likely scenario would appear to be the ordering of an immediate rematch.

Sharapova out of Hong Kong

TENNIS:Former world number one Maria Sharapova, who has played just three matches since early June, has pulled out of next month's Hong Kong exhibition tournament because she has not fully recovered from a shoulder injury. "It's with disappointment that I have to withdraw. I've been using this event for the last five years to get ready for the new season," Sharapova, who won the Melbourne grand slam this year, said.

New deal for Murray brothers

TENNIS:Andy Murray has boosted his status as a sporting superstar by signing up with the same management company as veteran England footballer David Beckham.

Murray (21), the world number four, and his brother Jamie - Britain's top doubles player - have signed with Simon Fuller's 19 Entertainment. They have also penned an agreement with CAA Sports who will work on 19's behalf in the USA in particular.

Andy Murray said: "Jamie and I feel we've made big progress in the last couple of years on court. It's important that we have the very best team to take care of business while we concentrate 100 per cent on our tennis."

The deal starts on March 1st and the two firms will deal with all the brothers' on-court and off-court activity.

CAA already represent world number three Novak Djokovic and other tennis stars. There have been reports that Andy Murray stands to make up to €102.5 million from new commercial and sponsorship deals.

Fuller also represents the Spice Girls pop group and the England football team players' interests.

Ashraful leads Bangladeshi resistance

CRICKET:Skipper Mohammad Ashraful hit an unbeaten half-century as Bangladesh batted defiantly in pursuit of a massive victory target in the first Test against Sri Lanka at Mirpur yesterday.

Ashraful's eighth test half century guided the hosts to 254 for five at the close of the fourth day chasing an unlikely 521 to win the match.

Ashraful and Shakib Al Hasan (34no) shared an unbroken 74-run stand for the sixth wicket to provide the resistance after Muttiah Muralitharan left them in turmoil with a triple strike.

Despite the pair's defiance, Sri Lanka remained confident of likely victory. Earlier Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene finally fell for 166 to help his team compile their impressive total.