SPORT IN BRIEF
Saudis on verge of Reds deal
FOOTBALL: The Saudi prince in talks to buy a stake in Liverpool has revealed he is on the verge of concluding a deal with Reds co-owner George Gillett.
American Gillett, who owns 50 per cent of the club, jetted out to Riyadh this week for further negotiations with Prince Faisal. Gillett is thought to be ready to sell all of his stock, while Prince Faisal has not ruled out a full takeover.
“Our negotiations to buy shares in Liverpool are ongoing,” said Prince Faisal. “Meetings are taking place and we might be in the final stages in the coming days.”
Pressure following withdrawals
TENNIS: ATP Tour chiefs grew under increasing pressure to review the length of the season after two more players withdrew from the Shanghai Masters through injury.
Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Andy Roddick have already skipped the tournament, and yesterday it was the turn of US Open champion Juan Martin del Potro to fall victim to the schedule as he was forced to retire from his second-round match against Jurgen Melzer at 5-7, 1-2 with a wrist injury. Tommy Haas also retired from his match against Rainer Schuettler, although top seed Rafael Nadal came through 6-2, 6-7, 6-4 against James Blake.
Jennings handed 12-week ban
RUGBY UNION: Leinster flanker Shane Jennings has been handed a 12-week ban after being found guilty of eye-gouging London Irish lock Nick Kennedy.
Jennings committed the offence in Friday’s 12-9 Heineken Cup defeat to the Exiles and will now miss three Heineken Cup games, five Magners League matches and Ireland’s autumn internationals.
Byrne ruled out for Wales
RUGBY UNION: Full-back Lee Byrne has been ruled out of Wales’ autumn internationals after suffering ligament damage in his right foot.
The Ospreys star limped out of his side’s thrilling 32-32 Heineken Cup draw with Leicester on Sunday.