Sports Digest

A round-up of other stories in brief

Klitschko reigns supreme

BOXING: Ukraines Vitali Klitschko retained his WBC world heavyweight title by beating American Shannon Briggs on points

The decision went unanimously in favour of the 39-year-old Klitschko after he dominated the fight against Briggs to defend his title for the fifth time.

It was only the fifth time Klitschko had failed to knock out an opponent – he has now won 41 of 43 fights in his career

Stoner proves impossible to catch

MOTO: Ducatis Casey Stoner delighted his home fans by winning a fourth consecutive Australian Grand Prix at Phillip Island yesterday.

Stoner, who secured pole position on his 25th birthday a day earlier, completed the 27-lap race in 41 minutes 9.128 seconds, more than eight seconds ahead of newly crowned world champion Jorge Lorenzo of Spain on a gusty day at the 4.45km circuit.

Seven-time premier class champion Valentino Rossi finished third after battling through from eighth on the grid, snatching the podium spot from Ducati rider and future team mate Nicky Hayden of the United States on the final lap.

We didnt know what to expect before the race, a buoyant Stoner said, referring to the changeable weather at Phillip Island that left pit crews scratching their heads for most of the weekend.

Jorge gave it a go and after I had a couple of second gap I thought Id build on that slightly because he was running some pretty good times. We managed to pull that gap, get us comfortable and ease into the race so we were very, very happy with this one.

The 2007 world champion Stoner roared off the grid to open a 1.5 second gap from Lorenzos Yamaha after the first lap and was never threatened thereafter as brilliant sunshine dried out the scenic track.

Williams answers Kiwi call

RUGBY: Former rugby league international Sonny Bill Williams was named in New Zealand coach Graham Henrys 30-man squad on Sunday for the final Bledisloe Cup match and the November tour of the British Isles.

Waikato flyhalf Stephen Donald forced his way back into the side after he had been injured and dropped down the national pecking order behind Aaron Cruden and Colin Slade. Neither were selected for the tour.

NEW ZEALAND SQUAD – forwards: John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Tom Donnelly, Hikawera Elliot, Ben Franks, Owen Franks, Andrew Hore, Jerome Kaino, Richie McCaw (captain), Keven Mealamu, Liam Messam, Kieran Read, Brad Thorn, Samuel Whitelock, Tony Woodcock. Backs: Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Hosea Gear, Cory Jane, Alby Mathewson, Mils Muliaina, Maa Nonu, Josevata Rokocoko, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Conrad Smith, Isaia Toeava, Sonny Bill Williams.

Higgins holds his nerve

GOLF: To the victor go the spoils and David Higgins had plenty of cause for celebration after claiming the inaugural Lexus Race to Mount Juliet title on Saturday.

With Lexus bankrolling the season ending finale, which they have committed to for another two years, there was an impressive €50,000 up for grabs in Kilkenny. And Higgins took home the lion’s share, collecting €14,000 for winning the 30-man event and a further €10,000 bonus for topping the Irish order of merit. The 37-year-old also earned his place in the field for next season’s PGA Championship at Wentworth and the Irish Open.

Higgins held a slender lead in the order of merit before the weekend, but guaranteed top spot with a nerveless display around the challenging Thomastown venue. After turning on one under, the Waterville professional moved through the gears to leave the chasing pack trailing on the back nine. He finished four clear of Damien Mooney in second place.

Pidgeon and Clavin take honours

ROWING: The inaugural ‘Bulls and Bears’ race at the Castleconnell Head of the River at O’Brien’s Bridge in Clare yesterday was won by a combination of crews from St Michael’s, Castleconnell, University of Limerick and Fermoy.

The event involves pairs from different clubs forming two eights which race for prizes. At the head itself, Cian Pidgeon won the senior single scull and Sheila Clavin was the senior women’s champion,

Murray takes title as Federer fumes over call

TENNIS: Britains world number four Andy Murray romped to a 6-3 6-2 win over Switzerlands Roger Federer to claim the Shanghai Masters title yesterday.

The 23-year-old Scot was in impeccable form throughout the one-hour-25-minute contest, breaking the third seeds serve four times to dismantle the 16-time grand slam champion and win his second Masters title of the season.

Federer was annoyed that the umpire had over-ruled a call in his favour on a breakpoint in the second set, saying the decision possibly cost him the match.

It was a classic bad mistake by the linesperson. In the end its what maybe cost me the match, the Swiss said.

Murray did not lose a set all week. I have had a great week and played some of my best tennis, he said at the trophy presentation.

The contest was the third meeting in a final between the pair this season with Murray losing at the Australian Open before gaining revenge at the Toronto Masters.