Sorensen takes over Davis Cup captaincy:Sean Sorensen is the new Irish Davis Cup captain following the resignation of former player and captain Owen Casey. Sorensen's appointment will take effect immediately with his first match in charge being the eight-Nation Davis Cup event to be staged in Cairo, Egypt, from the May 7th of this year.
The former professional from Cork, who soldiered on the tour at the same time as Matt Doyle in the 1970s and 1980s, has accepted a two-year contract, which will see him in charge until the end of the 2008 Davis Cup campaign.
Sorensen may have the luxury of overseeing his two sons, Louk and Kevin, who in recent years have been selected on the Irish team.
Casey's resignation came in the wake of a number of disappointing results in both the Federation and Davis Cup matches in which Ireland had been involved.
While injury and non-availability of players played a part, Sorensen's brief will be to try and stop any further slippage down the Davis Cup rankings. Ireland now play in Group Three of the competition.
"Our clear goal for 2007 is to gain promotion to Group Two of Davis Cup and we can do this by reaching the finals of the play-off event in Cairo in May," he said.
McCann 85th in California
• CYCLING:Irish road race champion David McCann was lying 85th overall after two days of the Tour of California.
The prestigious 2.HC-ranked race marks the Belfast rider's debut with the Colavita-Sutter Home team, and late yesterday he was due to begin the third stage 39 seconds behind race leader Levi Leipheimer. The American remains one second clear of Jason Donald in the overall standings with McCann 39 seconds back.
The tour continues with a 187.2-kilometre stage from Santa Rosa to Sacramento. McCann will hope to test his legs in the 23.5 kilometre Solvang time trial on Friday.
McMillan inspires New Zealand to thrilling win
• CRICKET:Australia's World Cup preparations suffered another crushing blow yesterday as a New Zealand side inspired by Craig McMillan completed a remarkable one-wicket victory in Hamilton to secure a Chappell-Hadlee series whitewash.
If that was not bad enough for the tourists, opener Matthew Hayden suffered a broken toe midway through making 181 not out - an Aussie-best in a one-day international.
Hayden's chances of playing in the Carribean are hanging in the balance, adding to Australia's extensive injury list which currently includes Andrew Symonds, Brett Lee, Michael Clarke and captain Ricky Ponting. The world champions' problems should not detract, however, from a thrilling match and another fantastic performance from the Black Caps.
McMillan was the key figure in the run chase, making a 67-ball century - the fastest ever by a New Zealander - while he received vital support from Brendon McCullum, who made 86 not out. Hayden earlier showed finesse and fortitude in carrying his bat to guide Australia to 346 for five from their 50 overs. But McMillan's 117 from 96 balls turned the match around after the home side had been struggling at 41 for four.
Third One Day International: Hamilton, Australia 346-5 Innings Complete (M L Hayden 181 no, S R Watson 68) v New Zealand 350-9 (C D McMillan 117, B B McCullum 86 no, P G Fulton 51). New Zealand beat Australia by 1 wkt.
UCD regain Colours trophy
• COLOURS MATCH:Two second-half goals from substitute Ger O'Callaghan helped UCD regain the David Faiers Trophy with 3-0 over Trinity in the annual Colours match at College Park yesterday.
After a scoreless first half the Belfield side - the newly crowned Colleges and Universities League Champions - scored twice in the space of 10 minutes after the break.
First O'Callaghan headed home from a Conan Byrne cross then centre back Evan McMillen beat Trinity goalkeeper Colm Morris from close range after a goalmouth scramble. O'Callaghan sealed the win with his second 10 minutes from time.
