A round-up of sports news in brief
Too taxing to run in London
ATHLETICS:Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt said he will not compete at next month's Diamond League meeting in London because of Britain's tax laws. "I am definitely not going to run (in London)," Jamaican Bolt told a news conference yesterday ahead of Friday's Diamond League meeting in Paris. Asked if it was because he would lose more money than he would earn from running in London, Bolt replied: "That's what my agent told me."
Cuddihy confirms she will race in Barcelona
ATHLETICS:Irish 400-metres champion Joanne Cuddihy has confirmed her participation in the European Athletics Championships, which get underway in the old Olympic Stadium in Barcelona two weeks from today, writes Ian O'Riordan.
Cuddihy’s inclusion brings to 30 the number of Irish athletes making the trip – a record for these championships and a team which includes several medal hopes in David Gillick, Paul Hession, Robert Heffernan, Olive Loughnane and Derval O’Rourke. Cuddihy informed the selectors yesterday that she now felt she was ready to do herself justice in Barcelona.
Cuddihy hasn’t had ideal preparation in the last couple of months, having suffered a split head when in the swimming pool, then got whiplash before twisting her ankle – but in winning her title on Sunday in 52.73 seconds she is definitely recovering her best form.
Kearney storms into North lead
GOLF:Aaron Kearney produced a sensational finish to the opening day in the Magners North of Ireland Championship, at Royal Portrush, as he stormed in from the last three-ball with a course equalling 64 on the Valley course.
Kearney’s six-under-par pushed defending champion Wayne Telford, who held the course record on the Valley, and Gary McGrane, off the top. They both carded super 65s.
Kearney (24) carded six birdies without a bogey in sight. He turned two-under-par after clipping a shot off both the second and fourth holes and then reached the long 10th in two blows for birdie four. A nine iron to two feet gave him birdie two at 11. He was on in two again for a birdie at the long 13th and rolled home a five-footer for his sixth birdie at 17.
“Definitely my best round in a championship ever. My best at Castlerock was four-under and this is a great start to the North,” beamed the new record holder.
Wasps set to sign Cardiff's Powell
RUGBY:Wasps are on the brink of signing Andy Powell after Cardiff Blues accused the Wales and Lions backrow of "losing his way".
The 28-year-old’s Blues contract was due to expire in 2012 but the Challenge Cup champions confirmed yesterday that he has been released.
In 2008 Powell made his Test debut and has gone on to win 14 caps, but he was suspended by Wales during this year’s Nations following an incident that catapulted him into the headlines.
Just hours after helping Wales complete a stunning comeback victory against Scotland, he was arrested for and admitted to driving a golf buggy on the M4 while drunk.
He was recalled for last month’s tour to New Zealand, but his hopes of participating in the Tests were ended by a thigh problem. Wasps have moved for the number eight, who is set to could confirm his move to Adams Park.
McGeady close to Celtic exit
SOCCER:Aiden McGeady's departure from Celtic has edged closer, with the Republic of Ireland player not part of the squad which departed for a pre-season tour of the United States yesterday.
Celtic claim McGeady has a thigh injury but are aware of interest from Aston Villa in the winger’s services.
McGeady is keen to test his ability on a higher stage than the SPL and would be agreeable to being reunited with Martin O’Neill.
Emile Heskey has been suggested as a potential makeweight in any move but Celtic are likely to demand a cash payment – possibly as much as €9.5m – for the 24-year-old.
Celtic confirmed the arrival of Joe Ledley on a four-year contract from Cardiff City yesterday but are virtually resigned to missing out on a loan move for Jimmy Bullard.
