Digest/University Games Soccer:The Irish women's soccer side lost out on a place in the final by going down 4-2 on penalties to Russia in the semi-final in Bangkok yesterday.
The game was tied at one goal apiece after normal time and went straight to penalties. The Irish will go on to fight it out for bronze against Brazil in the play-off for third and fourth places tomorrow. Russia will face the People's Republic of Korea in tomorrow's final.
Ireland's first real attack came after some 20 minutes when Shannon Smith took on and passed two defenders only to have her shot well held by the Russian keeper.
Russia took the lead when full back Jenia Praporshikova tapped in past the Irish keeper Sarah Peters following a corner.
Smith, the Ireland striker based in the US, equalised after running past two Russian defenders to coolly slot the ball low into the net.
Irish trio keep the pressure on leaders
Golf:The Irish team of Niamh Kitching (Claremorris), Danielle McVeigh (Royal Co Down) and Gillian O'Leary (Cork) stole a march on their competitors and drew level with Britain for the lead at the halfway point of the World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand.
McVeigh carded a steady three-over-par 75 to take the individual lead by three shots from Anna Scott of Britain.
UL PE student Niamh Kitching also carded a 75; a consistent round from the Claremorris native with two birdies and five bogeys seeing her one over par for the front nine and two over for the back nine.
Gillian O'Leary from Midleton, who is studying food science in UCC, has yet to ignite under the searing sun, signing for an 85.
All three take to the course in the hottest part of the day today, around midday, which is sure to add to the test presented by the Watermill course presents.
Former NBA referee faces jail sentence
Basketball:The former NBA referee Tim Donaghy pleaded guilty to two felony charges yesterday and admitted to providing tips on games at which he officiated to professional gamblers.
The case has sent shockwaves throughout the US National Basketball Association, leaving fans wondering if Donaghy altered the outcome of games because of his financial interest.
Donaghy (40) faces a maximum prison sentence of 25 years but stands to be given less time as part of a plea deal.
"I was in a unique position to predict the outcome of NBA games," Donaghy told the US District Court Judge Carol Amon in Brooklyn federal court. "Some of my picks included games I had been assigned to referee."
Donaghy, who earned 191,000 from the league last season, resigned on July 9th after 13 seasons as an NBA referee.
Eleven days later the FBI approached the NBA about him.
