After three stages of Ras Mumhan only a few seconds separate the top four going into the final stage today from Mitchelstown to Thurles. Aidan Duff still leads but Stephen O'Sullivan is on the same time and Philip Cassidy is at 10 seconds, writes Jim McArdle.
Duff, Cassidy and O'Sullivan were level on time, Ciaran Power just a second slower but two hours after the finish of yesterday's stage officials penalised Cassidy and Power 10 seconds for pacing after they had punctures.
Duff was the winner of stage one from Cassidy and O'Sullivan. On Saturday Power broke away on the Moll's Gap climb on the stage from Adare to Kenmare and won by 12 seconds.
Yesterday Power and Brian Kenneally went on from O'Sullivan and Eugene Moriarty and gained a lead of a minute and 37 seconds. Power is riding with Kenneally's Cidona team and as they came to the finish they joined hands and crossed the line together. At first officials hinted that they should have a re-run of the sprint over the final kilometre but then, after lengthy deliberations, the verdict went to Kenneally.
When the times were all added up it was revealed that Duff, Cassidy and O'Sullivan were still level with Power just behind. Then, when officials met to discuss the day's activities, it was decided to penalise Power and Cassidy.
In the Tour of the North, Friday's prologue time trial winner Tommy Evans still holds the lead.
Snooker: Big-time debut boy Craig Harrison spearheaded a series of shocks on the first day of the £370,000 British Open in Plymouth yesterday. The world number 154 from St Helens proved too strong for Scotsman Billy Snaddon.
Cricket: Australian cricket vice-captain Shane Warne says he may consider his future after being dropped from the team to play the West Indies in the fourth and final test. Warne, the most successful spin bowler in the game's history with 317 test wickets, has been a shadow of his former self since returning earlier this year from a shoulder operation last May.
Motor Sport: With two stages to run at the end of the Easter Sunday run of the Circuit of Ireland Rally, Andrew Nesbitt had a nine second lead over Bertie Fisher, both driving Subaru Imprezas, with Ian greer in third, ahead of Eamonn Bolan; but both were out of contention baring mishap to the two leaders.
Nesbitt started the day with a 20 seconds advantage over Fisher; but differential trouble caused him to lose time and allowed Fisher to close until the problem was resolved at service in Kilbeggan. The rally will finish early afternoon today in Bangor.
