SPORTS DIGEST: Carlos Sainz kept up his perfect start to the Dakar Rally with a second stage win in Portugal yesterday. But the former world rally champion believes he will not find out if he can win the event on his debut until the race reaches the deserts of North Africa.
The hilly course and slippery tracks between Portimao and Malaga in Spain suited the VW driver as he took his second stage win.
Sainz said: "Everything went fine today, I had even more pleasure than yesterday on the course. It's not that perfect to have the leadership before joining Africa. I'm still waiting for the desert to know what I can really do over there."
Sainz took one hour, 34 minutes and 28 seconds to cover the stage, beating Frenchman Luc Alphand's Mitsubishi by 25 seconds.
Ganguly in line of fire
India's tour of Pakistan, which starts this week, could decide the future of former captain Saurav Ganguly.
Ever since the 33-year-old left-hander was recalled into the Test team for the tour, he has been the centre of attention and a target for critics.
Ten days after he was abruptly dropped for the third Test against Sri Lanka, Ganguly was chosen ahead of Mohammad Kaif by the selectors who said his experience would be vital in a high-profile series.
Ganguly's prolonged batting slump is still a concern, however, and it remains to be seen whether the team management will choose him over an in-form Yuvraj Singh in the packed middle-order.
India arrive in Lahore on Thursday and play a three-day warm-up match from Saturday before the three-Test series gets under way.
Nolan sets Park record
James Nolan began the New Year in fine style by winning the Tom Brennan trophy race in the Phoenix Park yesterday in a course record 14 minutes, 39 seconds, knocking some 35 seconds off the record.
Mullingar's Mark Christie was in second spot, clocking 14.50, ahead of Fintan McGee of Lucan.
Annette Kealy of Raheny won the women's race in 17.25, some 16 seconds ahead of Olympic rower Sinead Jennings.
In ideal conditions on the two-lap course, Nolan and Christie had detached themselves from the field after 800 metres. By the end of the first circuit Christie was trying to make stamina pay as he tried to take it along, but Nolan was sitting in very comfortably.
The longer Nolan stayed in contact the more inevitable the result became, as with 400 metres to go he moved up a gear.
Dent leads US through
The US rallied to defeat Serbia and Montenegro 2-1 at the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia yesterday, after Lisa Raymond had slumped 6-2 6-4 to Ana Ivanovic.
Taylor Dent put the Americans level by outplaying Novak Djokovic 6-1 6-4, and then teamed with Raymond to win the mixed doubles 7-6 6-2.
Ivanovic dominated Raymond for much of the match, overpowering her from the baseline and striking several blistering returns.
The 18-year-old gave up just four points on her serve in the opening set, breaking for 2-0 and then again for the set with a winner off a second serve.
Djokovic hustled well against Dent, but although the American managed only three aces he served consistently well and struck some fine backhand volleys.
