SPORT | IN BRIEF
Hearn gets the players’ vote
SNOOKER: Barry Hearn won the Battle of the Baize and took control of World Snooker yesterday after coming through 35-29 in a vote of the world’s top 64 players.
The sports guru edged out businessman and former Olympic shooter John Davison to take a 51 per cent share in the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association.
Hearn has pledged to revitalise snooker with shorter and quicker versions of the game, and higher prize money.
Leeds draw Saints in the semis
RUGBY LEAGUE: Super League champions Leeds have been drawn against St Helens in the Challenge Cup semi-final.
The pair meet on 7 August in a repeat of the last three Super League Grand Finals, while holders Warrington take on Catalans Dragons in the other semi the following day.
Cecil pair lead Oaks running
RACING: Henry Cecil’s strongly-fancied duo Aviate and Timepiece head a final field of 15 runners for tomorrow’s Investec Oaks at Epsom.
Cecil, who has trained no fewer than eight winners in this race, has his sights set on a one-two with stable jockey Tom Queally riding Aviate and Eddie Ahern taking the reins of Timepiece.
Marcus Tregoning’s Rumoush is one of the pair’s main threat.
Four handed first Irish caps
RUGBY UNION: Ulster trio Chris Henry, Dan Tuohy and Ed Donoghue have all been handed their Ireland debuts in tomorrow’s clash with the Barbarians.
Leinster centre Fergus McFadden also makes his first senior appearance in a side captained by Ronan O’Gara.
The Irish then leave for a three-match tour to New Zealand and Australia at the weekend.