A round-up of today's other sports news in brief
Dutch treat for Chambers
ATHLETICS:Dwain Chambers has been invited to attack the Dutch 100 metres all-comers' record in Uden on Saturday, June 27th.
The meeting, which holds a Dutch national permit, is not part of the Euromeetings group which has advised its members not to allow former drug cheats into their competitions.
“ I’m very grateful for their offer,” said Chambers.
Ireland can't find scoring touch
HOCKEY:Ireland took on France for the second time in as many days yesterday. However, despite defeating France 8-2 on Tuesday, the visitors scored the only goal of the second game at Serpentine Avenue.
The score arrived in the 59th minute when Matthieu Durchon pounced on a stray ball for a half volley connection which flew to the back of the net.
Despite dominating for long periods, Ireland could not find the golden touch which seemed to come so easily on Tuesday.
The home side finally won a penalty corner with just a minute remaining, but Alan Sothern put his drag flick just wide of the post.
Wichita in line for Fairyhouse
RACING:Tony McCoy and Wichita Lineman provided one of the images of Cheltenham 2009 with an inspired victory in the William Hill Chase and the JP McManus team are keeping open their options for running the horse in the Powers Whiskey Irish Grand National at Fairyhouse, writes Brian O'Connor.
Wichita Lineman is one of 19 cross-channel trained entries among the 73 in total that remain in the €250,000 Easter Monday highlight after yesterday’s forfeit stage.
McManus’s 2007 winner Butler’s Cabin also remains in the Irish National as do the Paul Nicholls trained pair, Dear Villez and Hoo La Baloo.
Irish champion trainer Willie Mullins has ten entries while Casey Jones and Parsons Pistol head a powerful Noel Meade team.
Meade has left in the Grade One- winning stars, Aran Concerto and Nicanor in the Powers Gold Cup which is scheduled to be run on Easter Sunday (April 12th).
Zimbabwe 'A' prove much too hot for Ireland
CRICKET:Ireland suffered a second straight loss in their warm-up programme ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers in South Africa after Zimbabwe 'A' recorded a comprehensive seven-wicket victory in Benoni yesterday, writes Emmet Riordan.
After scoring over 300 in their opener against Eastern Province, Ireland’s batsmen failed to fire, being bowled out for just 118 with over 11 overs left in their innings.
The notable exception was Gary Wilson, the Surrey player hitting 56 off 100 deliveries to push the score into three figures. The target proved little challenge for Zimbabwe, losing just three wickets in the chase as they got home in 28 overs.
Ireland coach Phil Simmons has added another warm-up game for Ireland against Afghanistan today.
O'Loughlin's hopes high
CYCLING:David O'Loughlin will today aim for a medal in the individal pursuit at the World Track Championships in Poland.
Having finished sixth in last year’s championships in Manchester, the An Post M Donnelly Grant Thornton Seán Kelly rider has more recently placed third and then second in World Cup races in Beijing and Copenhagen.
He feels that, all going well, a place in the top three is possible. The heats are taking place this morning with the finals for the four fastest riders being held later on today.
Meanwhile, Irish pro Philip Deignan remained a fine 17th overall after yesterday’s third stage of the Vuelta a Castilla y León in Spain, placing 33rd in the gallop to the line. Spaniard Alejandro Valverde (Caisse d’Epargne) won the 156.9 kilometre stage to the Estación Inv. De San Isiro ahead of runners-up Ruben Plaza and Javier Moreno.
Clijsters ready to confirm schedule
TENNIS:Former world number one Kim Clijsters will reveal her 2009 plans today and US Open organizers said they would be happy to offer her a wildcard if she announces a return to the tour.
The 25-year-old will “unveil her plans for the 2009 season” at the tennis centre in her home town of Bree north of Brussels where she has been training in recent weeks, a statement issued on her behalf said.
Her former coach Carl Maes said last week that Clijsters, who retired in May 2007 before marrying basketball player Brian Lynch and giving birth to a daughter, could return to the WTA tour.
