CYCLING:Pat McQuaid, the president of the International Cycling Union, has hailed the proposed creation of a biological passport for professional riders as a landmark development in the war against doping.
"This is a new and historic step in the fight against doping," McQuaid said on the second day of an international meeting on doping in cycling held in Paris. "As far as cycling is concerned, we can be proud the sport is in the forefront in the fight against doping."
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the UCI said on Monday they planned to collect blood samples from all professional riders in 2008 to create a medical profile that would then be compared to the data registered in doping tests.
MOTOR SPORT: McLaren have formally lodged an appeal against the decision not to penalise three drivers in Sunday's Brazilian Grand Prix because of fuel irregularities, the team said yesterday.
McLaren have appealed to the sport's governing body, the FIA, after Williams driver Nico Rosberg and the BMW Sauber pairing of Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica were not punished under rules relating to fuel temperatures.
Should the three drivers have their results in Sunday's race at Sao Paolo nullified then McLaren's Lewis Hamilton would win enough points to be crowned world champion instead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen, the winner of the last race of the season.
CRICKET: Another splendid innings from Mohammad Yousuf led Pakistan to a six-wicket win over South Africa in the third one-day match at Faisalabad yesterday.
Yousuf followed up scores of 53 and 117 with an unbeaten 58 as Pakistan reached their target of 198 with 11 balls to spare to take a 2-1 lead in the five-match series.
The experienced Yousuf shared a stand of 79 with captain Shoaib Malik (42).
South Africa were bowled out for 197 in 49.2 overs. Skipper Graeme Smith top-scored with 48, while Justin Kemp contributed 42. Shahid Afridi (3-37) and Rao Iftikhar (3-33) made the visitors rue their decision to bat first as they lost their last six wickets for 35 runs.
WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Ireland will play the first of four unofficial internationals against Australia A at Belfield this evening, with coach Gene Muller using the games to blood new talent following the recent retirements of Linda Caulfield and Jill Orbinson, writes Mary Hannigan.
Six uncapped players are included in the 27-strong panel and they should all see some action with Muller planning on starting a different team in each game.
"We are very exited to be playing against Australia. As a world top 4 team they will be a real challenge for our young group," said Muller.
International friendlies (at Belfield) - Today: Ireland v Australia A, 7.15. Tomorrow: Ireland v Australia A, 7.15.
