SPORTS DIGEST

A round-up of other sports news in brief

Double celebrations for American Leipheimer

CYCLING: American Levi Leipheimer took both the stage win and the overall lead of the Tour of Spain in yesterday's individual time trial at Ciudad Real.

Second behind the Astana rider in the 42.5-km time trial was Frenchman Sylvain Chavanel, 12 seconds behind. Manuel Quinziato of Italy finished third, 33 seconds back.

Leipheimer now commands the overall lead by just two seconds ahead of Chavanel, with Spaniard Alejandro Valverde third at 30 seconds.

The team-mate of top overall favourite Alberto Contador, Leipheimer said: "Alberto remains our leader for this race. He's the best climber in the world, and I'll work for him in the mountain stages."

Contador finished fourth in the stage and lies fifth overall.

The first American to finish on the podium of the Tour of Spain when he took third overall in 2001, the 34-year-old Leipheimer is now leading a major stage race for the first time in his career.

"I knew I was in good shape when I won the (one-day) Vuelta a los Puertos (near Madrid) the week before the Tour of Spain, so I came here feeling confident," he said.

Overall contender Valverde provided the stage's biggest surprise, finishing an impressive fifth despite being no time trial specialist like Leipheimer. Third overall, the Caisse DEpargne rider's is poised to challenge for the leader's gold jersey in the Pyrenees on Saturday.

Bolt gearing up for Brussels test

ATHLETICS: Usain Bolt is gearing up for his most testing race since landing the 100 metres and 200 metres Olympic crowns in tomorrow night's Memorial Van Damme meeting in Brussels.

In the the most eagerly awaited race since the Beijing Games, sprint sensation Bolt will go head-to-head with arch rivals Asafa Powell and Tyson Gay in the last IAAF Golden League fixture of the season.

Although Powell failed to produce his best at a second successive Olympics when placing a disappointing fifth in China, he has returned to action with a vengeance since returning to the European circuit.

The former world record holder flew to a formidable time of 9.87seconds last Sunday at Gateshead in atrocious conditions and on Tuesday night in Lausanne showed that was no fluke when producing a time of 9.72sec at the IAAF Super Grand Prix.

Bolt, who was beaten by Powell in their pre-Olympics clash in Stockholm, admitted: "Now there will be more pressure for me but I will do my best."

Rain stops England's hopes

CRICKET: England's hopes of inflicting a whitewash on South Africa disappeared in the Cardiff rain yesterday as the final NatWest Series match was abandoned, with only three overs possible.

Kevin Pietersen's team would have taken England up to an all-time high second in the one-day international rankings if they had been able to complete a 5-0 clean sweep. Instead, they must settle for 4-0 and third in the International Cricket Council ODI table — behind Australia and South Africa.

In the play possible, South Africa - put in to bat first - lost Herschelle Gibbs to a blinding catch behind by Matt Prior off Stuart Broad, on the way to six for one.

That came after a start delayed by many downpours.

Mayweather to train Hatton

BOXING: Ricky Hatton will be trained by Floyd Mayweather snr for his fight against IBF light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas on November 22nd.

The American, father to Floyd junior — Hatton's conqueror last year, will fly into Manchester later this month to oversee training.

Mayweather will be assisted by close friend Lee Beard, who has been a key member of Team Hatton for more than year.

Phelps has new goals

SWIMMING: American Michael Phelps will use the $1 million bonus he earned for winning eight Olympic gold medals in Beijing to start a foundation. The first initiative by the Michael Phelps Foundation will be an eight-city tour across the United States during which Phelps will discuss his Olympic experiences with children.

"Thanks to a lot of hard work, some good fortune, the inspiration I drew from so many supporters around the world, and incredible team-mates, I was able to achieve that dream by winning eight gold medals in Beijing," Phelps said.

"Now, my goals reach beyond the pool, to helping others realise their dreams, and continuing to grow the sport I love so much."

Swimwear manufacturer Speedo pledged to give Phelps $1 million for at least tying the record seven gold medals his compatriot Mark Spitz won at the 1972 Olympics in Munich.

Phelps claimed eight gold medals in Beijing, however, to set a new Olympic standard for a single Games.

Ireland set to return to the Caribbean

CRICKET: The Irish team is set to return to the scene of their greatest triumph after Cricket Ireland confirmed yesterday that they are close to signing a reciprocal tour programme with the Jamaica Cricket Association (JCA), writes Emmet Riordan.

The Irish senior team are set to return to the Caribbean island in the latter half of next year, scene of their memorable World Cup victory over Pakistan on St Patrick's Day last year.

Ireland also tied with Zimbabwe and lost to West Indies at Sabina Park in Kingston, with upwards of 2,000 Irish supporters travelling to witness this country's first participation in a World Cup.

The agreement follows meetings between Cricket Ireland officials and JCA First Vice President, Paul Campbell, at the World Twenty20 qualifier in August. A representative of the Jamaica Tourist Board also attended the discussions.

Ireland coach, Phil Simmons, a former West Indies international yesterday welcomed the initiative and believes it will benefit his side in the future. "This is a wonderful opportunity for the players to experience cricket in a different climate and conditions, " said Simmons.

Cricket Ireland chief executive, Warren Deutrom, also gave his backing to the proposal that could also include women's and under-age teams in the future

"Cricket Ireland believes that reciprocal relations between our two countries will not only assist in our cricketing development, but will also help us renew great friendships created during Ireland's memorable World Cup through the Caribbean last year, above all in Jamaica," he said.

In the longer term it is believed a tour will be scheduled around St Patrick's Day as part of a sports tourism plan that is bound to interest supporters who added considerable colour to last year's event.