SPORT IN BRIEF
Ex-champs set for Open event
GOLF: Former Open winners will take part in a four-hole challenge on the eve of next year’s tournament to mark the 150th anniversary of the game’s oldest Major.
All 32 living champions have been invited to play the first, second, 17th and 18th holes at St Andrews, with prize money being donated to charity.
A team featuring Tom Lehman, Paul Lawrie and Tom Weiskopf won the last four-hole challenge in 2000.
Umpire Benson faces quit quiz
CRICKET: Top English umpire Mark Benson has been asked to explain his reasons for suddenly quitting a Test after one day.
Benson, 51, withdrew from Australia’s match against the West Indies on Friday, amid suggestions he was unhappy with the umpire decision review system.
World chiefs the ICC insist health reason were behind his decision but Benson is expected to make an announcement in the coming days.
Messi up for World Player gong
FOOTBALL: Barcelona star Lionel Messi is in line to complete a double honour after being shortlisted for Fifa’s World Player of the Year prize.
The Argentina forward, who won the Ballon d’Or for Europe’s best player this month, is joined on the list by team-mates Xavi and Andres Iniesta and Real Madrid pair Cristiano Ronaldo and Kaka.
Ronaldo won both awards last year while playing for Manchester United.
Rocket surges into second round
SNOOKER: Four-time winner Ronnie O’Sullivan overcame a sloppy start to surge into round two of the UK Championship.
O’Sullivan trailed Matthew Stevens 2-0 before claiming nine of the following 10 frames to win 9-3 and set up a match with Peter Ebdon.
Meanwhile, world No8 Marco Fu slipped to a shock defeat to Yorkshire’s Peter Lines, whose career highlight was a last eight spot at the China Open 10 years ago.