A roundup of today's other sports news in brief
Gibson wants to make it at United
SOCCER:Darron Gibson is prepared to put his World Cup dream on hold to make it at Manchester United.
The 21-year-old would almost certainly be part of Giovanni Trapattoni’s squad if the Republic of Ireland made it to South Africa next year, providing he could secure regular top-flight action.
Everton are among the clubs interested in acquiring Gibson, who made 14 appearances for United last season. However, even though he realises his chances at Old Trafford are likely to be limited, Gibson wants to sign another contract with the club.
“My contract is coming to an end so, hopefully, at the end of the month I’ll be signing a new one,” said Gibson. “My current deal ends at the end of next season but, normally, a player would enter into new contract talks at the end of this month.
“I’ve been told that a few clubs had expressed an interest, but I want to give it a good push and have a proper go at it next season before I decide to go anywhere else.”
Bernard’s 100m record not ratified
SWIMMING:Alain Bernard's world 100 metres freestyle record set in April will not be approved, swimming's world governing body Fina said yesterday.
Bernard became the first man to crack the 47 seconds barrier with 46.94 at the French championships but the Olympic champion was wearing an Arena-made swimsuit which had not been approved by Fina. The world record is held by Australian Eamon Sullivan in 47.05.
“This decision will have serious consequences for swimming and us swimmers,” Bernard said. “Fina’s positions are contradictory and impossible to understand.”
The French federation said it would appeal the decision.
“This is pitiful. This is not the end of the story. We must now defend our athletes’ best interests,” French federation technical director Christian Donze said. “These are inconsistent decisions once again.”
Cyclist informs anti-doping body
CYCLING:Austrian cyclist Bernhard Kohl, who retired after testing positive in last years Tour de France, has given information to the French Anti-Doping Agency, the AFLD said yesterday.
“The AFLD’s general secretary and director of testing have met Bernhard Kohl today in Vienna and they have gathered information that we will verify,” AFLD president Pierre Bordry said.
“He said he had information regarding the fight against doping and he accepted talking to us,” Bordry added.
Kohl finished third overall in last year’s Tour and won the polka dot jersey for the best climber before retroactive tests showed he had used the new generation of the banned blood booster EPO.
Colvin earns Ireland share of spoils
WOMEN'S HOCKEY:Lizzie Colvin's second goal in as many days gave Ireland a 1-1 draw against Ukraine at the Champions Challenge II in Russia yesterday, leaving them needing just a point from tomorrow's final pool game against Malaysia for a place in Friday's semi-finals, reports Mary Hannigan.
Still without injured captain Eimear Cregan, coach Gene Muller made just one change from the team that beat Russia 4-0 on Sunday – Emma Gray replacing Mary Goode in goal – but his side had to come from behind after Ukraine capitalised on a defensive error to take the lead with 14 minutes to go.
Colvin, though, rescued a point three minutes later, turning home Nikki Symmons’ switch from Ireland’s fourth penalty corner of the game. The result keeps Ireland top of the pool, ahead of Ukraine on goal difference. Today is a rest day.
IRELAND:E Gray, R Flinn, E Clarke, E Stewart, B McKeever (capt), S McCay, N Symmons, E Smyth, L Jacob, L Barr, M Frazer. Subs: C McKean, A Speers, L Colvin, N Small, M Harvey.
Champions Challenge II (at Kazan, Russia) – Pool A: Canada 1 India 8; Belgium 8 Belarus 1. Pool B: Ireland 1 (L Colvin) Ukraine 1. Tomorrow: Ireland v Malaysia, 10.0.
Breakaway F1 teams put Mosley on the defensive
MOTOR SPORT:Max Mosley may find he has backed himself into a corner when the FIA world motor sport council meet to discuss the future of Formula One and, possibly, their president.
Mosley engaged reverse gear on Sunday when he suddenly dropped legal action against the renegade teams but, if the meeting is attended by Luca di Montezemolo, the head of Ferrari may remind the FIA of its president’s unpredictable and sometimes questionable behaviour.
Mosley described a certain element within Fota as “loonies,” and in particular said the Renault team principal, Briatore, wanted to be the new Bernie Ecclestone by taking control of the sport.
In response Briatore made reference to the expose of Mosley’s sex life when involved in a sado-masochistic orgy.
“Max is going personal all the time. I’m too much of a gentleman to go personal,” said Briatore. “If he wants to go personal, I have a lot to say about Max. He needs to stop insulting people. I don’t want to personally describe what Max is because in his private life we have already had a demonstration of what he was in the News of the World.
The eight Fota teams considering a breakaway – Ferrari, BMW, Renault, Toyota, McLaren, Red Bull, Toro Rosso and Brawn – will meet on Thursday to continue planning their own championship after the breakdown of talks last week with the FIA.
GuardianService
