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Brave England lose Test series

CRICKET:England lost the Test series against West Indies last night after their fifth-day victory bid was foiled at the death in Port of Spain.

West Indies, asked to bat for a minimum of 66 overs to save the final match at Queen’s Park Oval, closed on 114 for eight, following a tense finale, which left England without a Test victory all winter.

Kevin Pietersen’s 16th Test hundred set up the final-innings scenario which left West Indies requiring 240 for victory.

But they continued the defensive theme they have adopted since the start of the fifth and final Test to survive by another nailbiting margin and win the series 1-0.

Having staved off defeat in Antigua by one wicket, this time they had two in hand as number 10 Fidel Edwards survived five balls of the final over sent down by left-arm spinner Monty Panesar.

Tough day for Roche in Paris-Nice

CYCLING: There was little joy for the Irish riders yesterday in Paris-Nice, with Nicolas Roche finding himself on the wrong side of a split in the bunch and losing 10 minutes, while his cousin Daniel Martin was a non-starter due to sickness, writes Shane Stokes.

French rider Sylvain Chavanel (Quick Step) won the wind-buffeted 178 kilometre stage, outsprinting six breakaway companions into Vichy.

He also took over the race lead from previous yellow jersey Alberto Contador, who finished in a small group of riders one minute and nine seconds back.

Doherty loses final qualifying round

SNOOKER:Ken Doherty failed in his bid to reach the World Snooker Championship as the 1997 champion and three-time finalist slumped to a 10-5 defeat against Gerard Greene in the final qualifying round.

The Dubliner dropped out of the top 16 at the end of last season, meaning he was not guaranteed a place in the Crucible main draw.

Joe Swail thrashed Matthew Couch 10-1 to ensure he will be back in South Yorkshire next month.