SPORT IN BRIEF
MANNY’S WARNING TO COTTO
POUND-FOR-POUND king Manny Pacquiao insists he is feeling stronger than ever ahead of his mega-fight with Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas on Sunday morning. Pacquiao moves up to welterweight to take on the WBO king in a bout both claim to be the most important of their careers. Both have shown a mutual respect for another but Pacquiao said: “I feel stronger than I ever have. My punches are harder, my speed is in tact.”
Murray crashes out in Paris
TENNIS: Drained Andy Murray crashed out of the Paris Masters last night after bowing out in the third round to Radek Stepanek.
Just 16 hours after defeating James Blake in a late-night thriller, the world No4 finally wilted against the 13th seed, despite cruising to the opening set.
Murray took just over 20 minutes to come through 6-1, but then began to tire as Stepanek took control to take the next two as Murray’s serve began to wane. Murray will, however, be thankful for the rest ahead of the ATP World Tour finals in London next week.
Rival pair in Hong Kong race
GOLF: Race to Dubai rivals Lee Westwood and Rory McIlroy couldn’t be separated as they fired matching four-under-par 66s in the opening round the Hong Kong Open.
The pair lie four shots behind overnight leader Udorn Duangdecha, of Thailand, who shot a 62, while Dutchman Robert Jan Derksen is a shot adrift.
England’s David Dixon is in a group of four on six under.
England unchanged for final
RUGBY LEAGUE: England coach Tony Smith has named an unchanged side for tomorrow’s Four Nations final showdown with Australia at Elland Road.
That means Kevin Sinfield continues in his unfamiliar position at hooker with youngsters Sam Tomkins and Kyle Eastmond remain as a half-back pairing.