A round-up of today's other sports news in brief
Arigna stage shortened
MOTOR SPORT:Rally Ireland have been forced to make a late change to one of the five stages running next Sunday, February 1st. Due to the recent deterioration of a bridge, organisers have had to shorten the popular Arigna stage. The bridge has been closed for a number of weeks by Leitrim County Council. The length of the stage is now 10.8km and will finish at Spectator Point G, in the Moneenatieve townland. The change will not impact on the times of any other stages.
US College's tournament mooted
BASKETBALL:Basketball Ireland are in discussions with US sports network ESPN to host an in-season US college's tournament in Ireland in 2010, writes Gavin Cummisky. The coach of George Mason Patriots, Jim Larranaga, father of Ireland head coach Jay, stated an interest in bringing his university over to play in such a competition or take part in the Emerald Hoops competition.
“ESPN were very interested,” said Jay Larranaga. “If that were the case I think my Dad would really want to do one or the other; either play in the Emerald Hoops or an in-season tournament if ESPN get the backing to televise it in the US, which is what they want to do.” T
he move requires a change in NCAA rules, for teams playing abroad, while Basketball Ireland would require funding from the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.
Date set for Hatton-Pacquiao fight
BOXING:Ricky Hatton's light-welterweight fight with Filipino Manny Pacquiao is definitely on, according to his lawyer Gareth Williams. The fight will take place at Las Vegas' MGM Grand casino on May 2nd, with full details to be announced this week.
The news follows weeks of uncertainty with Pacquiao’s camp reportedly wanting a 60-40 split, however, Hattons camp insists he will get an equal share.
“We have got the contract, signed by Manny,” Williams said. Hatton (30) has yet to sign the contract – purely due to logistics with Williams being in London. “It won’t be a problem and we’ll announce the fight at a press conference on Thursday,” he added.
Pacquiao (30) is regarded as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, a status he confirmed by beating Oscar de la Hoya in December. Hatton, who has only lost once in 46 fights, beat American Paulie Malignaggi in November.
Perez secures first PGA title with eagle finish
GOLF:Pat Perez claimed his first PGA Tour title as he eagled the final hole to win the Bob Hope Classic on Sunday. The 32-year-old carded a three-under-par 69 in the fifth and final round to finish 33 under par and win by three strokes from John Merrick, who signed for a 67.
Steve Stricker entered the final round with a three-shot lead over Perez, but a five-over-par round of 77 scuppered his chances as he finished five strokes back.
Perez was delighted his first PGA victory came at a tournament hosted by the legendary Arnold Palmer.
“I feel privileged to win the tournament that Mr Palmer won 50 years ago and now he’s back hosting it. I feel honoured that he was there to shake my hand when I got done and he’s such a legend that it’s just a great feeling on top of everything else,” said Perez.
Stricker, who fired a 62 on Saturday, ended in a tie for third with Canadian Mike Weir (67). “It’s just a couple of bad swings that really cost me big time,” he said.
Convincing win for South Africa
CRICKET:Impressive knocks from Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers helped South Africa claim a convincing eight-wicket victory in the fourth one-day international against Australia and an unassailable 3-1 lead in the series.
De Villiers smashed an unbeaten 82 from 85 balls while Amla was 80 not out as the pair put on a 144-run partnership to help steer the Proteas to their target of 223 with almost 12 overs to spare.
Australia’s innings of 222 had been patchy at best with Ricky Ponting’s 63 the only highlight for the hosts at the Adelaide Oval.
South Africa opener Herschelle Gibbs also produced a scintillating cameo of 38 as the tourists made light work of their run chase.
Gibbs faced just 29 balls, smashing eight boundaries, and was the key player in a 58-run opening stand with Amla. He eventually miscued one of several lofted drives and was caught by Mike Hussey at mid-on. The final one-dayer will take place in Perth on Friday.
