Basketball: The Irish Basketball Association yesterday announced the appointment of Debbie Massey as new chief executive, reports Ian O'Riordan.

A native of Dublin, she replaces Scott McCarthy, who recently stepped down after five years in the position.

A former policy and planning manager with the GAA, Massey has wide experience in areas of sports administration. She was also responsible for the development of the GAA's overseas network and affiliates.

McCarthy, meanwhile, has indicated that he will remain involved with the association in a voluntary level.

Cycling: Irish professional Ciaran Power started his racing season in fine style yesterday when he finished fourth on the first stage of the Tour Down Under in Australia, reports Shane Stokes.

Despite a lack of racing since last autumn, the 24-year-old Waterford cyclist rode strongly in the opening 47-kilometre criterium race in Glenelg, culminating in an impressive finishing sprint.

Hockey: Corinthians, aiming for a place in the All-Ireland play-offs, suffered a surprise defeat in the Leinster Senior League last night, going under 3-1 to YMCA at Ballinteer. Sean Clauson gave Corinthians the lead but two goals within three minutes by Michael Fry and Rob Fox put YMCA in front by half time, and a drag flick by Eric Gierts in the second half sealed the issue.

Leinster Senior League: YMCA 3 (M Fry, M Fox, E Gierts) Corinthians 1 (S Clauson).

Athletics: Amsterdam, Gothenburg and Barcelona are the three candidates to stage the 2006 European athletics championships, the European Athletics Federation announced yesterday.

A decision will be taken at the federation's meeting in Moscow in October. The next European Championships will be held in Munich from August 6th-11th, 2002.

Meanwhile, British middle-distance runner Diane Modahl is to continue her fight against the British Athletics Federation and has appealed against a High Court decision to reject her claim for damages.

Cricket: Australian batsman Mark Waugh will be interviewed by investigators next month over his alleged involvement in the sport's betting and match-fixing scandal, cricket officials said yesterday.

Australian Cricket Board (ACB) chief executive Malcolm Speed said anti-corruption investigators from the International Cricket Council (ICC) would arrive early next month to interview the veteran player, who is the twin brother of captain Steve Waugh.