Sports Digest /SQUASH: Derek Ryan came through a gruelling 70 minute first-round qualifier match yesterday in the Canon Kirk Irish Open.
The former world number seven defeated England's Chris Ryder 3-1. Against Ryder, ranked 68 in the world, Ryan called on all his experience to get him through. Other Irish hopefuls Arthur Gaskin, Peter Emmanuel and Nigel Peyton all crashed out.
Peyton put up a great fight against seeded qualifier Jonny Harford and was unlucky not to take him all the way to a deciding fifth set, losing 3-1. With Sligo's Keith Moran not expected to come through his tough game, all interest now turns to Ryan's next game against Australian Bradley Hindle, with the winner earning a place in the main draw.
Referee handed indefinite ban
BASKETBALL: NBA referee Joey Crawford has been suspended indefinitely for improper conduct towards San Antonio's Tim Duncan during the Spurs' game in Dallas on Sunday.
Duncan claims Crawford challenged him to a fight before each of the technical fouls he received during the Mavericks' 91-86 win over the Spurs at American Airlines Centre.
"Joey Crawford's handling of this situation failed to meet the standards of professionalism and game management we expect of NBA referees," commissioner David Stern said in a statement yesterday.
The 30-year-old official's suspension will cover at least the remainder of the 2006-07 season, including the NBA play-offs and finals.
Former captain hits out at Khan
CRICKET: Former captain Imran Khan said Younis Khan's refusal to lead the national side has left Pakistan cricket in crisis following the team's first-round elimination from the World Cup.
Younis was asked by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to take over the job after Inzamam-ul-Haq stepped down and retired from one-day internationals last month.
But Younis felt the job was too stressful, especially in the wake of the hostile reception given to the players after the Caribbean debacle.
"I don't understand it. If he didn't want to be captain he should not have accepted the vice-captaincy for the last two years," Imran said yesterday. "His refusal has led to a crisis."
