SPORTS DIGEST:Team Sky rider Mark Cavendish won a sprint finish to take stage three of the Tour of Britain in Dumfries yesterday.
The 2011 world road race champion, who is hoping to negotiate an amicable split from the successful British team, had suffered a crash in the closing stages of the opening round and finished second best in a dash for the line at Knowsley Safari Park on Monday.
However, after the peleton had finally reeled in the breakaway group heading into the final two kilometres, the Manx Missile was not to be denied as he sprinted clear.
At one stage of the 152km route, a breakaway group of IG’s Peter Hawkins, Raleigh’s Bernard Sulzberger, Kristian House of Rapha Condor, Peter Williams of Node4-Giordana Racing and Vacansoleil’s Wesley Kreder opened up an advantage of a almost four minutes on the peleton. However, as the course, weaved back into the final lap of Dumfries, that was eaten away.
Second place was enough for Monday’s winner, Australian Howard, to claim the IG Gold jersey. Aidis Kruopis of Orica was third and Luke Rowe fourth.
Consistent Mueller extends his lead
SAILINGLighter winds and a flat sea marked the third day of racing off the Old Head of Kinsale yesterday where 60 crews from 16 nations are competing in the Dragon Gold Cup.
Germany’s Tommy Mueller extended his overall lead thanks in part to a highly consistent third place, but more down to a massive wind-shift that punished the unwary.
Poul Richard Hoj-Jensen finished back in 34th place, a result that dropped the Dane from second overall to eighth.
However, he can take some consolation from Lawrie Smith’s recovery to third overall despite torn ligaments from Sunday’s racing. The former round the world skipper still needs crutches to walk and could yet have problems if today’s forecast of fresh winds puts more physical demands on the crews.
Martin Byrne, with Adam Winkelmann and Pedro Andrade, finished 33rd and dropped from fifth overall to 12th place. Kinsale YC commodore Cameron Good, with Simon Furney and Henry Kingston, re-entered the top 10 overall and retook the lead of the Corinthian event in ninth overall.
– DAVID BRANIGAN
King hails emerging young Irish talent
SOCCERThe Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Noel King yesterday praised the quality of his side's football following their outstanding away victory over Italy in Casarano.
It was 10 years since the Italians lost a home competitive Under-21 game but that record was smashed on Monday as King’s side sealed a 4-2 success – although qualification for next year’s Uefa finals was beyond them.
“I refuse to believe the notion that Ireland is not producing technically good players,” stressed King. “The skill levels on the pitch from the players, many of whom are still teenagers, was just as good, if not superior, to the Italians.”
Already sampling the senior set-up experience over the Under-21 campaign were regulars James McCarthy, Conor Clifford, Shane Duffy and, most recently, Robbie Brady and King expects more of his young stars to graduate in time.
Ireland’s display drew praise from former Italy and AC Milan boss Arrigo Sacchi who visited the Irish dressingroom to laud the Irish team’s display.
– JOHN FALLON
Rovers dispense with Kenny’s services after eight months
SOCCER:Stephen Kenny has been sacked by Shamrock Rovers after a disappointing eight-month tenure with the defending League of Ireland champions.
The club confirmed the news yesterday afternoon and have appointed assistant manager Stephen Glass to take charge of Friday night’s FAI Ford Cup quarter-final against Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
“We have not taken this decision lightly and we are extremely disappointed with the turn of events,” Rovers chairman Jonathan Roche said yesterday.
“However, the club feels that this is the right decision at this time, and attention now turns to Friday night’s FAI Ford Cup game against Shelbourne and identifying the next manager of Shamrock Rovers.
“We would like to wish take this opportunity to wish Stephen the best for the future.”
The 40-year-old was announced as successor to Michael O’Neill on December 27th last year but with his side lying in fourth place in the table, 13 points behind league leaders Sligo, the Rovers board opted to act following increasing pressure from disgruntled fans.
Staunton’s opening 67 puts him into strong position
GOLF:Irishman Mark Staunton swept to the top of the leaderboard in the opening round of the European Qualifying school first stage at Scotland's Roxburghe Hotel yesterday.
The 30-year-old Ballinasloe -based professional fired a stunning five-under-par 67 to grab a three-stroke advantage over Scottish duo Greg Nicholson and Craig Matheson.
An eagle three at the long 11th set him up for a big finish and he picked up strokes on the 14th, 16th and 17th to open up a cushion at the helm.
Belfast’s Damian Mooney is well in the mix after a level-par 72. A stroke behind is 31-year-old Peter O’Keefe from Douglas while Waterville’s New Orleans-based Mark Murphy is still in with a chance after a 74.
– CHRIS SMART
