HOCKEY: Ireland gained a valuable three points in beating Canada 2-1 yesterday in their second match of the group stages of the ninth to 16th classifications matches in the Junior World Cup in Hobart, Tasmania.
After their unfortunate defeat by France, it was a crucial match to win in order to qualify for the ninth to 12th placings, though the most demanding game comes against New Zealand tomorrow.
After a scrappy opening, Ireland took control against opponents who had shocked the New Zealanders with a 2-1 win the previous day. But after seven short corners to Canada's one, the first half remained scoreless.
A well overdue breakthrough came 12 minutes into the second period when a set-piece switch enabled Mike Harte to slot the ball home. Seven minutes later, Canada were penalised for a rash tackle in the circle and Dave Eakins scored from the spot to give Ireland a two-goal cushion.
Canada managed to reduce the arrears though Jessie Kaloti but a fine run from Allan Kershaw left Ireland back on the offensive.
The overall statistics of of 12 penalty corners to Canada's two and 19 circle penetrations to six tells a story in itself.
IRELAND (v Canada, from): N Slane; J Brennan, K Burns, D Eakins (capt), A Giles, M Harte, D Hobbs, S Irvine, A Kershaw, P Smith, I Allen, J Jermyn, P McConnell.
OLYMPICS: Uniquely sculpted and heavier than ever before, the gold, silver and bronze medals destined for winning athletes at the 2002 Winter Olympics were unveiled yesterday.
Mitt Romney, president of the Salt Lake Organising Committee (SLOC) said: "SLOC's creative team wanted to design a medal that not only had meaning to the athlete but was also considered a piece of art."
The front of the irregular shaped medals features an athlete bursting forth from flames carrying a torch to represent the Olympic spirit. The athlete's image is anchored by the Olympic rings, and the words "Light the Fire Within" are etched into the front of the pieces.
The back of the medals shows the Greek goddess of victory Nike holding a small victory leaf.
DRUGS IN SPORT: Two Chinese weightlifters and a 100-metre hurdler have been banned for doping offences, state media said yesterday.
Hurdler Liu Jing was slapped with a two-year ban by the China Olympic Committee for refusing a second urine test in August after initial results proved suspicious, the China Sports Daily said.
Four types of banned drugs were found in her room and receipts for the purchases of testosterone and another drug were also discovered, the paper added.
Her coach, Guo Suhua, was also banned from competition for two years.
The women weightlifters, Yang Xuewei and Qiu Xuexiong, tested positive for banned substances on September 11th following a competition.
FORMULA ONE: The schedule for the 2002 Formula One Grand Prix motor racing season has been announced.
Mar 3rd - Australia (Melbourne) (1)
Mar 17th - Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
Mar 31st - Brazil (Sao Paulo)
Apr 14th - San Marino (Imola) (2)
Apr 28th - Spain (Barcelona)
May 12th - Austria (Spielberg)
May 26th - Monaco (Monte Carlo)
Jun 9th - Canada (Montreal)
Jun 23rd - Europe (Nurburgring)
Jul 7th - Britain (Silverstone) (3)
Jul 21st - France (Magny Cours)
Jul 28th - Germany (Hockenheim)
Aug 18th - Hungary (Budapest)
Sept 1st -Belgium (Spa-Francorchamps)
Sept 15th - Italy (Monza) (2)
Sept 29th - USA (Indianapolis)
Oct 13th - Japan (Suzuka)
(1) - Subject to coroner's inquiry into fatal accident during 2001 Australian Grand Prix
(2) - Subject to new commercial agreements
(3) - Subject to inquiry into traffic arrangements at the 2001 British Grand Prix
