SPORTS DIGEST

Today's other stories in brief

Murray struggles but survives early scare

TENNIS:Andy Murray survived a major scare to reach the third round of the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami.

The British number one is hoping to build on his run to the final in Indian Wells last weekend and had to recover from a poor start to defeat Juan Monaco 4-6 6-3 6-2.

Monaco was inspired in the opening set but, having missed a chance to break in the opening game of the second, faded badly as Murray gradually took control in the pairs first meeting.

The match was played in searing heat and Murray admitted he had struggled in the opening set but felt an improvement in his serve was the key to victory.

The Scot, who is in Rafael Nadals half of the draw, will play Nicolas Massu in the next round and knows he has a great chance to again reach the latter stages of the tournament.

O'Connor finds success in Italy

EQUESTRIAN:Cian O'Connor has set himself up nicely for the Global Champions' Tour at Arezzo next week, writes Margie McLoone.

O’Connor placed fifth in yesterday’s four-star Grand Prix at the Italian venue with Stephen O’Connor and Castlemartin Stud’s Complete.

Earlier in the day, the Meath-based rider won the Accumulator on Dermot O’Rourke’s nine-year-old mare Baloufina while in Vilamoura, Portugal, Harry Marshall was in the money when slotting into third spot with Rainman in the two-star Grand Prix.

Dark Blue of Oxford find clear water

ROWING:Oxford University extended their Dark Blue dynasty on the murky grey waters of the River Thames by storming to victory over Cambridge in the 155th Boat Race.

Oxford, the heaviest crew in the race’s 180-year history, won their fourth race in five years and seventh this decade by three and a half lengths.

Cambridge, who had opted for the Surrey station after winning the toss, recovered from a fluffed first stroke to negate Oxford’s advantage of an inside line on the opening bend.

But the Light Blues’ push to establish clear water was thwarted by a clash of oars which disrupted their rhythm and Oxford made them pay.

The Dark Blues continued on to pull clear for an emphatic victory.

Irish student Martin Walsh was part of the Oxford crew, as well as five Olympians including club president Colin Smith who won silver with the British eight in Beijing.

Another strong finish for Roche

CYCLING: Irish pro Nicolas Roche yesterday added another strong result to his 2009 tally when he finished an excellent 11th overall in the 2.HC Criterium International in France, writes Shane Stokes.

He finished in the main bunch on Saturday’s flat stage, then placed 29th on yesterday morning’s leg. Quadruple race victor Jens Voigt (Saxo Bank) took over the race lead when he raced to a solo victory.

In yesterday’s time trial, Voigt’s fifth was enough to secure him a record-equalling title. Roche was 38 seconds back and was 11th place overall.

The 24-year-old was also third in the best young rider ranking, while his Ag2r La Mondiale squad was fourth in the teams classification.

Green Dragon reaches Rio in fourth

SAILING:Green Dragon crossed the finish line off Rio de Janeiro at 18.59 on Saturday, cheered on by crowds of locals that lined the shore to the marina. They now have 39.5 points after securing fourth place. Ericsson 3's win has moved them above Green Dragon overall, but with 64 points still available during the next five legs and in-port races, there are still plenty of opportunities.

On Friday morning Green Dragon went into stealth mode, allowing them to go off the radar for 24 hours, keeping secret information about their position, wind strength and speed as they defended fourth place from Telefonica Blue.

Promising show from Ireland

CRICKET: Ireland eased to an eight-wicket victory over the United Arab Emirates in their final warm-up game ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers in Pretoria yesterday, writes Emmet Riordan.

Gary Wilson and Regan West took the honours with bat and ball respectively, offering coach Phil Simmons a boost ahead of Wednesday’s key opening clash against Scotland.

West claimed his second straight four-wicket haul as the UAE were bowled out for 132.

Peter Connell and Alex Cusack picked up two wickets apiece, while Trent Johnston and Kevin O’Brien claimed a victim each as they UAE were bowled out in the 44th over.

Wilson finished unbeaten on 83 off 102 deliveries as Ireland reached their target in the 35th over.

Meanwhile, Scotland lost their final warm-up game, going down by seven runs to Kenya in Benoni.