Cricket: Ireland completely dominated the first day of their Test match against Pakistan at College Park yesterday, and it is difficult to see the game continuing for the allotted four days. After Pakistan had won the toss and batted first, only Zamurad Afzal and Deeba Sherazi reached double figures, as Catherine O'Neill, Barbara McDonald and Ciara Metcalfe between them skittled the tourists out for 93, though Afzal lasted an extraordinary 134 minutes and faced 124 balls for her 25 runs.
Miriam Grealey declared Ireland's first innings closed at 193 for 3, at which stage Caitriona Beggs was undefeated on 68 (eight fours), Karen Young had contributed a fine 58, while O'Neill, the other unbeaten batter, had hit a lively 27. By close of play, Pakistan were 8 for one wicket in their second innings, McDonald having removed Deeba Sherazi in her first over; play resumes at 11.00 this morning.
Pakistan - 1st innings: 53 all out, 47.4 overs (Zamurad Afzal 25, Deeba Sheraz 12, C O'Neill 4 for 26, B McDonald 3 for 9, C Metcalfe 3 for 15). Ireland - 1st innings 193 for 3 declared, 47 overs (C Beggs 68 no, K Young 58, A Linehan 27 no, Nazia Nazeer 2 for 48). Pakistan - 2nd innings 8 for 1, B McDonald 1 for 4).
Tennis: Lucie Ahl, the top seed and title holder from Britain, bridged a 79-year gap in Irish tennis in the final of the Dolmen Irish women's open championship at Fitzwilliam yesterday.
Ahl's sprightly style was a key factor in the straight sets win over South African Mareze Joubert and the nature of a comprehensive win enabled her to complete the tournament without losing a set.
"I didn't realise I was making a little history for myself. I think I was mentally stronger and put more energy into the match," said Ahl following her 6-2 6-4 win in just over an hour.
Margaret Ryan was the last player to record the hat-trick in 1921.
"I will take some time off now and then prepare for the US Open at the LTA Centre in Bath," said Ahl.
In Saturday's semi-finals, Ahl beat Trudi Musgrave of Australia while Joubert ousted British teenager Hannah Collin, the number one junior in her country last year.
Motor Cycling: Japanese rider Mamoru Yamakawa (47) was killed in the Suzuka eighthour endurance race in western Japan yesterday after failing to negotiate a curve and crashing into a cushioned barrier at high speed.
He was pronounced dead at hospital after being taken from the track on the 32nd lap, race officials said.
Japan's Daijiro Kato and Tohru Ukawa, who compete in the 250cc world championship, won the race to give Honda their fourth successive success.
They went ahead after 42 laps and finished about six kilometres ahead of compatriots Akira Ryo and Keiichi Kitagawa.
