SPORTS DIGEST/ CRICKET: Ireland were last night weighing up the pros and cons of bringing forward their next match at the Under-19 World Cup in Malaysia as physiotherapist Iain Knox worked overtime on three injured bowlers.
A return match with Bermuda, who surprisingly beat Ireland in the group stages, is scheduled for Friday, with the winners due to play-off against Zimbabwe for 13th place a day later.
Ireland would naturally like a day off to recover from a hard match against Bermuda but if the game were to be brought forward it is unlikely James Hall and Gavin McKenna would be fit, and there would be a doubt over Andrew Britton, who has sore shins.
"Bermuda are keen to play the game earlier but there are logistical problems with the pitch and volunteer workers. At this stage I'd say it'll go ahead on Friday," said Ireland team manager Brian Walsh.
New role for Norman and Couples
GOLF: Former world number ones Greg Norman and Fred Couples have been named captains for the Internationals and the United States at the 2009 Presidents Cup, the PGA Tour said yesterday.
Australian Norman will take over from South African Gary Player and Couples from Jack Nicklaus for the next edition of the biennial team competition to be held at San Francisco's Harding Park Golf Course.
Couples, winner of the 1992 Masters, is a veteran of four Presidents Cups as a player, while double British Open champion Norman has appeared in the Ryder Cup-style format three times.
"I am absolutely delighted to introduce these two great players as the new Presidents Cup captains," said PGA Tour commissioner Tim Finchem.
"While it may not be easy to replace two legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Gary Player, I know both Fred and Greg step into this role with a strong passion, commitment and desire to continue the outstanding legacy Jack, Gary and all the previous captains have created for The Presidents Cup."
China too strong for tired Ireland
WOMEN'S HOCKEY: Ireland lost the first match of their 10-day visit to New Zealand, going down 4-0 to China in Wellington. Ireland only arrived in the country 24 hours earlier as the squad missed its connecting flight to New Zealand in London after their Dublin flight was delayed for two hours. Goalkeeper Mary Goode made several early fine saves but China finally scored 10 minutes before half-time and added two quick goals after the break before completing the scoring in the 62nd minute.
Ireland will play hosts New Zealand in another game today.
Hamilton sets Barcelona pace
MOTOR SPORT: McLaren's Lewis Hamilton topped the Barcelona timesheets for the second day running yesterday in Formula One's final pre-season test before the Australian season-opener in Melbourne on March 16th.
The 23-year-old Briton, overall runner-up last year in his debut season, lapped the Circuit de Catalunya in one minute 21.234 seconds, with new Finnish team mate Heikki Kovalainen second quickest in 1:21.434.
Ferrari's world champion Kimi Raikkonen was third in 1:21.722, with Germany's Nico Rosberg fourth for Toyota-powered Williams.
Renault's Spanish double world champion Fernando Alonso was only 13th on the timesheets with Brazilian team-mate Nelson Piquet Jr 18th.
