Sports Digest: The frosty weather almost put paid to the Leinster Schools' Premier Hockey League semi-final between High School and Muckross Park once again but they finally got to play the fixture at St Andrews yesterday, writes Mary Hannigan.
High School, beaten finalists in last year's senior cup final, prevailed on penalty strokes after normal and extra time failed to separate the teams. Muckross had taken the lead through Anne O'Flanagan in the first half, with a follow-up from a short corner, but Ali Meade levelled before the break.
The first series of 10 strokes failed to produce a winner but High School won through on sudden death and will play Our Lady's, Terenure, in Friday's final at Grange Road.
Perry is ruled out
Injury has ruled Irish champion Madeline Perry out of this weekend's National Squash Championships and ended her hopes of winning her eighth title in nine years.
"I am really disappointed because I always enjoy playing at home and I was looking forward to defending my title, but the injury requires that I keep off the court for the next couple of weeks," said the world number 11.
Sligo's Aisling Blake, last year's runner-up, takes over as top seed at the Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club.
Sorenstam again
Annika Sorenstam has beaten stiff competition from Michael Campbell and Colin Montgomerie to create more golfing history.
The Swede has become the first woman to win the Golf Writers' Trophy twice in the 55-year history of the award.
Sorenstam, who triumphed for the second time in three years, said: "I was overwhelmed to hear that the Golf Writers have honoured me again".
Even by her own high standards Sorenstam enjoyed a remarkable season. She won 11 of the 21 tournaments she entered worldwide, including two major championships. She claimed 10 LPGA titles to lead the money list in America for the fifth consecutive year and earn an eighth player of the year title.
Woods to relax
The world number one golfer, Tiger Woods, will miss next month's season-opening Mercedes Championships in Kapalua, Hawaii from January 2nd-8th to relax and spend time with his family.
"I just need some time away from the game," Woods said. "It's been a long season and I have played a lot of golf. I need a break".
Woods played in 21 PGA Tour events this year, winning six including his fourth US Masters and a second British Open, and posted 13 top-10 finishes. He also played in four other tournaments.
"To win two majors and contend in two others is exciting," said Woods, who will celebrate his 30th birthday on December 30th.
