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

Levin sets fast pace at Torrey

GOLF: Spencer Levin set a scorching pace in the first round of the Farmers Insurance Open at Torrey Pines as he shot a 10-under-par 62 on the easier North Course, including eight birdies in his last 10 holes. Bill Haas was on nine under with Rod Pampling and Josh Teater on eight under. JB Holmes, making his return to action after undergoing brain surgery, was struggling on three over through 13 on the tougher South Course.

Maguire twins in preliminary squad for Curtis Cup

GOLF:The Maguire twins, Lisa and Leona, have been handed the opportunity to avenge their Curtis Cup defeat by the USA two years ago after both were included in a 12-strong preliminary squad for this year's match in Scotland. Royal Portrush's Stephanie Meadow is also in the Britain and Ireland selection.

The eight-strong team for this year’s renewal at Nairn Golf Club will be finalised at the end of March. The other members are: Charly Hull, Lauren Taylor, Amy Boulden, Holly Clyburn, Bronte Law, Becky Harries, Kelsey MacDonald, Pamela Pretswell, Kelly Tidy and Meadow.

Meanwhile Leona Maguire fired an opening 72 to lead the Irish challenge at the Portuguese Ladies Amateur at Montado, Lisbon.

The defending champion is six strokes behind surprise leader Roberta Roeller (Germany). Lisa Maguire and Paula Grant both carded one over par 73s.

Siddle on song as Australia extend lead

CRICKET:Rampant paceman Peter Siddle took five wickets as Australia bowled India out for 272 before extending their lead to a dominant 382 runs by the close of play on third day of the fourth Test yesterday.

Virat Kohli upstaged his more esteemed team-mates with his side’s first century of the series but was dismissed for 116 to bring an end to India’s first innings an hour before close with the tourists well behind Australia’s 604 for seven declared. Australia, holding a winning 3-0 series lead, decided to embark on their second innings despite having the option of forcing the Indians to bat again but quickly lost their top order to stand at 50 for three at stumps with captain Michael Clarke and Ricky Ponting at the crease.

Caterham reveal 'ugly' F1 car

MOTOR SPORT: Caterham emerged at the head of the pack yesterday as the first of the Formula One teams to show off their 2012 car. If the green and yellow CT01 was unlikely to win any beauty parade, with some branding the "platypus-nosed" car downright ugly, technical head Mike Gascoyne was sure it would not be alone.

Team principal Tony Fernandes said he loved it. “As we’re the first car out it is obviously stirring up a lot of debate, but because of the 2012 regulations I think you’ll probably be seeing this type of nose on most of the cars this year,” Gascoyne said on the team’s facebook page.

The rules have been changed to limit the height of the nosebox to try to ensure noses are not too high.

Telefonica's daring move rewarded

SAILING: After five days of racing in leg three of the Volvo Ocean Race, the leading four boats are expected to converge on the Strait of Malacca this morning with barely a few miles separating them, writes David Branigan.

Thanks to a daring move to the north of the group, overall race leader Iker Martinez on Spanish entry Telefonica was fastest yesterday and appeared set to move into the lead on this leg as well.

Nevertheless, Ken Read’s Puma along with Chris Nicholson’s Camper and Franck Cammas on Groupama were also spread evenly in a line south from Martinez as each sailed to their optimal angle of approach to the island of Pulau Weh at the northern end of Sumatra in Indonesia.Ian Walker on Abu Dhabi Ocean Racing and Mike Sanderson’s Team Sanya, at around 30 and 60 miles behind respectively, could yet compress on the leading pack as the wind becomes lighter over the coming days.

UCD out to steal Dublin's thunder

BASKETBALL:The first part of the National Cup finals take place this weekend with the Basketball Ireland senior men's National Cup final, featuring Dublin Thunder and UCD Marian, opening proceedings tonight.

Tomorrow, Tralee Imperials are involved in their first of three finals when they face Cork’s Brunell in the Under-18 women’s final, before Templeogue look to retain the under-18 men’s crown but face a difficult assignment against Maree of Galway. In 2011, an excellent performance from Ian Lynch saw the Dubliners beat capital rivals Tolka Rovers 69-60.

Tralee’s second outing comes against DCU Mercy in the under-20 women’s final. Mercy stunned Waterford Wildcats to earn a place in the final, while Tralee’s achievement is all the more considerable as it is only two years since the club entered a national competition at under-20 level.