SPORTS DIGEST:Cian Curley's two-under-par 70 saw him finish as the top Irish golfer after day one of the first stage of European Tour qualifying at Wychwood Park in Cheshire. Lucan-born Curley is tied for fifth place alongside England's Paul Grannell, two shots off the lead held by Sweden's Nils Floren.
Waterville’s David Higgins started well with a level-par 72, Clandeboye’s Jonathan Caldwell and Donal Gleeson of Old Conna shot 74. British Amateur champion Alan Dunbar, Barrie Trainor (Mayobridge) and David Jones (Bushfoot) carded 75s.
In qualifying at Fleesensee in Germany, Royal Dublin’s Niall Kearney shot a fine opening three-under 69 for a share of 15th, five off the lead. Athenry’s Shane Franklin and Stephen Grant of The Heritage shot 76.
Pietersen omitted from England tour of India
England have left out controversial batsman Kevin Pietersen from the team to tour India next month despite recent talks between management and the player. Pietersen was dropped last month after admitting to sending controversial text messages to members of the opposing South Africa side.
England cricket managing director Hugh Morris said there are still issues to be resolved over the text message dispute. Pietersen’s omission opens the way for Nick Compton, the 29-year-old grandson of Denis, who was the top English batsman in the county championship last season and Yorkshire’s Joe Root.
Both ECB and England team management have had meetings with Kevin Pietersen to address the issues which led to his omission from the final test match against South Africa, Morris said. These discussions remain private and confidential and as there are issues still to be resolved Kevin has not been considered for selection for the India tour.
ENGLAND: A Cook (capt), J Anderson, J Bairstow, I Bell, T Bresnan, S Broad, N Compton, S Finn, G Onions, E Morgan, M Panesar, S Patel, M Prior, J Root, G Swann, J Trott.
Atlanta Falcons get their claws into Peyton Manning
After his dream return to the NFL last week, Peyton Manning was given a rude awakening by Atlanta on Monday as the Falcons intercepted the Denver quarterback three times in the first quarter on the way to a 27-21 win over the Broncos.
Manning missed last season due to neck surgery, leading Indianapolis to cut the four-times league MVP and against Atlanta, however, Manning struggled to find his receivers and watched the home defence pick off his passes and race to a 20-0 lead.
Falcons running back Michael Turner was held in jail and charged with DUI (drink driving) and speeding, just hours after scoring a touchdown in the game. As well as facing charges in court, Turner could also be disciplined by the NFL.
Arndt takes gold at world time trial championships
Defending champion Judith Arndt scooped gold for the second year running at the time trial of the world cycling championships, bringing her career towards a close in style. The German, who will retire after this weekend’s road race, covered the 24.1 kilometre Limburg course in 32 minutes 26 seconds, beating Evelyn Stevens (United States) by 34 seconds and Linda Melanie Villumsen (New Zealand) by 41.
Olivia Dillon was the sole Irish entrant, finishing 3 minutes 47 seconds back in 33rd place. Caroline Ryan had been due to take part.
Michael Hutchinson will be the only Irish rider in today's Elite time trial. Defending champion Tony Martin (Germany) is the main favourite. – SHANE STOKES
'Daily Star' sports writer passes away from cancer
Brian Woolnough, the chief sports writer of the Daily Star, has died after a long struggle against bowel cancer.
The 63-year-old was also a well-known face on television, hosting Sky Sports’ Sunday Supplement from 2007 after previously being the presenter of Hold the Back Page from 1994.
Woolnough began his career on the Esher News in Surrey, moved to the Evening Post in Hemel Hempstead before joining The Sun, where he worked for 27 years, ending up as chief football writer. He moved to the Daily Star in 2001.
Woolnough leaves a wife, Linda, and three children.
It is only three months since the death of the Daily Star’s chief football writer Danny Fullbrook at the age of 40, also from cancer.
