SPORT IN BRIEF
Fury could help Haye’s Valuev bid
BOXING: Britain’s David Haye is eager to spar with heavyweight prospect Tyson Fury as he steps up preparations for his WBA title bout with giant Nikolai Valuev.
The former undisputed cruiserweight champion meets the 7ft 2ins Russian in Germany on November 7 and wants the help of 6ft 8in, 21-year-old Fury.
“I’m around at the moment and if he’s got a fight coming up I am more than willing to spar with him,” said Haye.
Murray targeting Japan return
TENNIS: World No3 Andy Murray will rest his injured left wrist for the next fortnight but is hoping to be fit for the Japan Open beginning on 5 October.
The Scot has been hampered by the problem for several weeks and played through the pain barrier during Great Britain’s Davis Cup defeat by Poland at the weekend.
A scan has since revealed there is no long-term damage meaning he should not miss the end-of-season ATP World Tour Finals in London.
Wales appoint Harris as coach
RUGBY LEAGUE: Former dual-code international Iestyn Harris has been appointed as the new Wales head coach for the autumn internationals. The ex-Leeds, Cardiff and Bradford playmaker succeeds Australian John Dixon after acting as his assistant for last year’s international against England.
Harris said: “I am really excited by the opportunity to help Wales rugby league develop over the coming years and to bring through the young players who are showing such talent.”
Indian Kartik signs for Somerset
CRICKET: Somerset have landed a major coup, signing Indian spinner Murali Kartik as their overseas player for next season.
For the last three seasons the 33-year-old, who has made eight Test appearances, has played for Middlesex after his caounty career began with Lancashire in 2005.
McGinley missing star players
GOLF: Britain and Ireland will head into the Vivendi Trophy as underdogs, having suffered the loss of many of their big guns.
The competition against Europe, previously called the Seve Trophy, starts tomorrow and captain Paul McGinley is without his four highest-ranked players.
Paul Casey is injured, while Padraig Harrington, Lee Westwood, Ian Poulter, Luke Donald and Justin Rose are all unavailable.