SPORTS DIGEST

Other stories from the world of sport

Parisse stays at Stade Francais

RUGBY:Italy captain Sergio Parisse extended his contract with French club Stade Français for three years, the Top 14 side said on their website.

"I've heard rumours that Sergio Parisse was announced (as joining) three English clubs, including Saracens. It makes me laugh, as he has signed a three-year deal extension with us," said Stade president Max Guazzini.

McGuigan takes under-21 title

BOXING:Ulster senior welterweight champion Shane McGuigan was crowned Irish Under-21 light middleweight champion following a 10-4 win over John Joe Joyce at the National Stadium in Dublin last night.

Joyce, from the St Matthew's club in Dublin, shared the first round with McGuigan, who had his dad, Barry, working his corner.

But the 19-year-old Clones fighter took the second round 6-2, with most of the damage being caused by solid rights to the head, and maintained his four-point advantage in the third.

Joyce needed something big in the final round, and did manage to pull one back early on, but McGuigan connected with two solid lefts and a right in the final minute to have his hand raised in victory.

Thirteen new Irish champions were crowned at headquarters last night following the conclusion of the championships.

Australia duo keep hopes alive

CRICKET:An eight-wicket haul from debutant off-spinner Jason Krejza and a swift 92 not out from Simon Katich saw Australia battle their way back into the fourth Test against India in Nagpur.

The home side started day two on 311 for five, a strong position given they only need a draw to secure a series win. But Krejza ripped through the Indian tail to restrict Mahendra Singh Dhoni's men to 441 all out before Katich continued the recovery by moving to the brink of his fifth Test century as Australia closed on 189 for two.

Following the early dismissal of Matthew Hayden, run out by Murali Vijay at mid-on for 16 while attempting a quick single, Katich, in tandem with Mike Hussey, steadied the Australia innings with the tourists reaching stumps 252 runs behind with eight wickets remaining.

Liu Xiang to have operation on Achilles injury in US

ATHLETICS:World 110 metres hurdles champion Liu Xiang will have surgery in the United States on an Achilles injury that denied him the chance of defending his Olympic title on home soil, local media reported yesterday.

The former world record holder has spent the past week in the United States seeking advice on the injury. Liu's coach, Sun Haiping, who previously said surgery would be a last resort, was convinced by US medical experts that an operation was both necessary and safe.

"We were less worried about the operation after hearing the experts' advice. They all said it wouldn't be very difficult," Sun told state television after returning from the US. Sun did not say how long Liu's recovery time would take, but confirmed the operation would be in the US.

 Williams and Ivanovic withdraw

TENNIS:Serena Williams and Ana Ivanovic have withdrawn from the season-ending Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Championship in Doha.

American Williams was set to take on Elena Dementieva yesterday, with the winner set to progress to the semi-finals, but pulled out with a stomach muscle injury. Williams, who lost 7-5 1-6 0-6 to sister Venus on yesterday, said: "Today when I practised I was in pain when I played the groundstrokes so I didn't want to risk it."

Ivanovic, who was on her way out of the tournament after defeats to Jelena Jankovic and Vera Zvonareva, also withdrew before her final round-robin game against Svetlana Kuznetsova, citing a virus.

Connacht name squad

RUGBY:Connacht have announced a 23-man squad ahead of their match against Portugal at the Sportsground tomorrow (kick-off 6pm). There are several new names, notably two of the province's younger talents in David Nolan and John O'Brien. Both have impressed in recent weeks for their clubs, with O'Brien's form having been rewarded with a call up to the Ireland Under-20 squad.

In the backline, Danny Riordan is recalled once again along with two players who have recovered from long-term injuries, Tim Donnelly and Conor O'Loughlin.

CONNACHT (squad v Portugal):Kieran Campbell, Fionn Carr, Mel Deane, Tim Donnelly, Andy Dunne, Adrian Flavin, David Gannon, John Hearty, Ronan Loughney, John Lyne, Michael McCarthy, Joe Merrigan, Robbie Morris, Conor Muldoon, Troy Nathan, David Nolan, John O'Brien, Ray Ofisa, Conor O'Loughlin, Colm Rigney, Danny Riordan, Brett Wilkinson, Aidan Wynne.