Today's other stories in brief
Brawn backs Schumacher
MOTOR SPORT: Mercedes GP team principal Ross Brawn is hoping Michael Schumacher can enjoy "a clean race" this weekend to silence the critics.
“Circumstances beyond his control limited his race performance in Melbourne and Sepang,” said Brawn ahead of the Chinese Grand Prix.
“It would be particularly good for Michael to be able to have a clean race and show the progress he has made since the start of the season.”
Perry, El Shorbagy top seeds for Open
SQUASH:Three-time former champion Madeline Perry – the world number seven – will be the top seed in this year's Cannon Kirk Homes Irish Squash Open, taking place in Fitzwilliam Lawn Tennis Club from April 19th-25th.
Perry is joined in the draw by Irish team-mate Aisling Blake, who is seeded seventh.
The men’s draw sees the welcome return of Mohamed El Shorbagy, the exciting 19-year-old who is seeded number one, and hopes to take the title he failed to secure in last year’s final.
Currently ranked 17th in the world, the Egyptian is scheduled to meet England’s Jonathan Kemp, ranked 20, in the final.
Murray again sent packing as serve deserts him
TENNIS:Andy Murray was sent packing from the Monte Carlo Masters in an embarrassing 6-2 6-1 defeat to German Philipp Kohlschreiber yesterday.
The world number four never found his stride as clouds started to gather above centre court at the Monte Carlo Country Club and he got a few boos from the crowd after going down in just over an hour.
The Scot’s terrible first serve percentage was a godsend for Kohlschreiber, who punished his resigned opponent with forehand winners throughout.
Murray should at least get an honourable mention for his honesty after the match. “I wasn’t very good today,” he said. “It was the first time in a few years that the court felt so small. I just could not find the court. When it’s like that, it’s difficult to play.”
Top seed Novak Djokovic cruised through his second-round clash with Florent Serra of France 6-2 6-3.
And second seed Rafael Nadal won 6-1 6-0 over qualifier Thiemo de Bakker of Holland in 59 minutes.
Favourites on form in Geneva
EQUESTRIAN:America's McLain Ward and Marcus Ehning from Germany, two of the favourites for this weekend's Rolex FEI World Cup show jumping finals in Geneva, topped the placings in yesterday's warm-up competition in the Palexpo arena, writes Margie McLoone.
Riding the nine-year-old chestnut gelding Rothchild, Ward went around the speed section of the course in 36.16, while Ehning and the mare Fiona, another nine-year-old chestnut, stopped the clock on 40.61.
Following the withdrawal on Monday of Jessica Kürten, there are two Irish riders at the five-star Swiss show, Co Down’s Dermott Lennon and the US-based Offaly man Darragh Kenny. The competition proper gets under way at 19.15 local time this evening.
At the riders’ briefing, prior to the start of the finals, riders were warned by the FEI veterinary director that: “If your horse is found to have a banned substance in its system, you are looking at a two-year suspension.”
Ireland take on West Indies in ODI
CRICKET: Ireland skipper William Porterfield is hoping he can lead from the front on his 100th international appearance in today's One-Day against West Indies at Sabina Park, writes Emmet Riordan.
Ireland have struggled to post big scores on their tour, but a return to the ground where they beat Pakistan during the 2007 World Cup might be the catalyst they require.
But Porterfield is well aware the home side will prove a handful, as they showed in 208-run victory over Canada at the ground on Tuesday.
“It’ll be really tough against the West Indies – they showed just how good a side they are with that big win over Canada yesterday,” said the Gloucestershire left-hander.
“We were in a great position against them on Sunday, but let it slide. Our bowlers are hitting their strides, and Trent Johnston in particular has been exceptional. It’s up to the batsmen to come to the party now.”
Niall O’Brien has recovered from a chest infection.
IRELAND (from): W Porterfield (capt), A Botha, P Connell, A Cusack, G Dockrell, T Johnston, N Jones, G Kidd, J Mooney, K O’Brien, N O’Brien, P Stirling, A White, G Wilson.
