Shorts - March 2, 2005
March 02, 2005 Edition 1
Beaten up Beattie
Liverpool - Everton have confirmed that star striker James Beattie, currently banned from playing for headbutting an opponent, was involved in a late-night punch-up outside a Birmigham noodle bar. The former England forward exchanged blows with one man and was kicked in the face by a second in the early hours of Sunday morning. The row was reportedly triggered by comments the first man had made about his girlfriend.
Luck passes on
London - Former England batsman Brian Luckhurst, whose two centuries helped his country win the Ashes in 1970-71, has died aged 66 from cancer.
Tyson Down Under
Sydney - Former heavyweight champion and convicted rapist Mike Tyson has signed on to train full time with Australian great Jeff Fenech and try to relaunch his career Down Under. Speaking on Channel Nine television from Los Angeles, Fenech said the 38-year-old Tyson asked him to help revive his boxing career after the two trained together for five days on the US West Coast.
Defeat Held against him
Bangkok - German Siegfried Held has been sacked as Thailand coach after less than six months in the job. The 62 year old had been under pressure after holders Thailand failed to advance from the group stages of the regional Tiger Cup last December.
Lehmann injury woes
Sydney - A shoulder injury has forced Darren Lehmann out of the Australian Test team to tour New Zealand. Lehmann lost his spot in the one-day side after a barren run with the bat but was hoping to remain in the Test squad.
Stellar Ella Oz coach
Sydney - Glen Ella has been appointed Australian Sevens coach for the fourth time and will guide the squad into the Rugby World Cup Sevens in Hong Kong this month.
Politics KOs blessing
Dharmsala, India - The Dalai Lama has decided against
inaugurating a three-day India-Pakistan cricket tour opener following objections by the sport's authorities in Pakistan, a spokesman for the Tibetan spiritual leader's office said yesterday.
Vets for a good cause
Jakarta - A team of international veterans including 64-year-old former Chelsea keeper Peter Bonetti beat a largely youthful Indonesian side 4-3 in a friendly match yesterday to raise funds for tsunami victims. The match descended into comedy when former Liverpool captain Phil Neal (54) fell unchallenged while pursuing the ball.
Wits Academy fun day
The Wits Golf Academy is being launched on Sunday, March 6, with a day of fun for all the family. Starting at 9.30, there are free clinics for children, women and beginners, followed by a long driving exhibition and a free-hit session in which visitors can try out the latest equipment. There is safe parking for 400 cars and
refreshments will be available. For details call Greg (082) 372-0541 or Richard (083) 460-6013.
Bowlers beware!
London - The new ICC process dealing with suspect bowling actions at international level came into effect yesterday. The amended process sees changes in the testing, analysis and
review procedures used to assess bowlers with suspected illegal actions.
April action for Wilko
Paris - England captain Jonny Wilkinson hopes to make his big comeback on April 2 when Newcastle play Stade Francais Paris at the Parc des Princes in the European Cup quarterfinals. The England captain, who has not played for six weeks, has been sidelined by arm and knee problems after recovering from a neck injury, which have kept him out of action for nine months.
Shane thumbs down
Dublin - Ireland back Shane Horgan has been ruled out of the Six Nations game against France on March 12 with a thumb fracture, the Irish Rugby Football Union (Irfu) said yesterday. Horgan, who has started at centre in Ireland's last two matches, has not yet been ruled out of what could potentially be a Grand Slam decider against Wales on March 19. - Sapa-AFP/AP/Reuters.
