Sports Digest

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

Reports says 45 top tennis matches need investigating

TENNIS: A report into the integrity of the sport yesterday discovered that 45 matches over the past five years need investigation because of suspect betting patterns.

That it represents a tiny percentage of all matches played over the period caused the sport to claim the findings as a victory last night. However, the statistics relate only to information obtained through an agreement tennis holds with the world's biggest online betting exchange, Betfair, and the report's authors say the extent of the problem could be far wider.

"It is reasonable to assume other suspect betting is taking place using other international legal and illegal betting markets," wrote the report's authors Jeff Rees and Ben Gunn, both former senior British policemen.

The Gunn-Rees report noted the difficulties tennis has in uncovering corrupt practices among its own players. A confidential telephone line provides players with the opportunity to turn informant against cheats but many have reservations about using it.

The report states tennis is "potentially at a crossroads" adding that the intelligence available "indicates there is sufficient cause for concern about the integrity of some players and those outside tennis who seek to corrupt them".

The review has outlined 15 recommendations, which the sport's governing bodies will implement. Chief among the recommendations was the need to establish a new uniform anti-corruption programme.

Contador goes on despite fracture 

CYCLING: Alberto Contador of Spain has fractured his left arm but will continue in the Giro d'Italia, his Astana team said yesterday. The 2007 Tour de France winner crashed during Saturday's eighth stage from Rivisondoli to Tivoli.

"Alberto has a fissure fracture at the head of his radius bone close to his elbow on his left arm," team spokesman Philippe Maertens said.

"It's a worse injury than we thought but Alberto will continue in the Giro d'Italia and do his best in tomorrow's individual time trial."

Contador, 25, went training during yesterday's rest day and said he would stay in the three-week race.

"I do not intend to leave the race," he said. "As all riders know, winning a Grand Tour takes some hard work, luck and health.

"Unfortunately, having a small fracture does not make the journey to Milan any easier but I'm motivated and will try to fight through the pain.

Contador lies eighth overall, seven minutes 56 seconds behind leader Giovanni Visconti of Italy.

Kubori claims lightweight title

BOXING: Japan's Yusuke Kobori stopped champion Jose Alfaro of Nicaragua in the third round to win the WBA lightweight title in Tokyo yesterday.

The 26-year-old challenger backed up his pre-fight promise to end the 24-year-old Alfaro's brief reign by the halfway point, winning by technical knock-out just over two minutes into round three of their scheduled 12-rounder in Tokyo. It was Alfaro's first defence of the title.

Dwyer to coach Ireland Under-19

CRICKET: FORMER IRELAND assistant coach Matt Dwyer will take charge of the Under-19 international side on a temporary basis until the end of the season, writes Emmet Riordan. The former international spin bowler steps into the role after Under-19 World Cup coach Brían O'Rourke declared his unavailability for this summer because of other cricketing duties. Dwyer, who stepped down from the senior side after last year's World Cup, will take charge of the side for the European Championships in August.

Meanwhile, yesterday's draw for the second round of the Antalis Cup has kept Leinster's big guns apart. Defending champions The Hills travel to Merrion, while North County will host YMCA at Balrothery.

Antalis Cup: second round: North County v YMCA; Leinster v Clontarf; Merrion v The Hills; Railway Union v Phoenix. Ties to be played on Saturday, May 31st.

Woods plans to return for Buick

GOLF: Tiger Woods intends to play in next month's Buick Open. Sidelined with a knee injury since finishing second at The Masters, Woods also confirmed he will host a golf clinic at Detroit's Comerica Park on June 24th - two days before the Buick Open begins.

Larry Beck, Buick's golf marketing manager, announced Woods' participation during a news conference today.

"Tiger always creates a tremendous amount of excitement for us and the fans," Peck said.

"It's the first time Tiger has ever done a clinic in a ballpark."

Following his runner-up finish to Trevor Immelman at The Masters last month, Woods had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

The world number one has claimed 13 major championships in his career, the last of which came when he successfully defended his title at the 2007 PGA Championship. Woods also is a two-time winner (2002, 2006) of the Buick Open.