Doherty nabs key ranking points
SNOOKER: Ken Doherty shrugged off the disappointment of defeat in the Malta Cup final to secure invaluable world ranking points at the Welsh Open in Newport.
Doherty, embroiled in a battle to retain his membership of the top 16 after 15 consecutive seasons among the cream of the sport, reached the third round with a 5-3 victory over wily veteran Alan McManus.
Having fallen 2-0 in arrears to the Scotsman, Doherty was under pressure but he responded well, making breaks of 52, 46 and a tournament-high 133 total clearance on the way to setting up a meeting with Mark Selby, winner of the Masters at Wembley last month.
Like Doherty, fellow Dubliner Michael Judge will also be looking to secure a quarter-final place today at the expense of Englishman Stephen Lee.
O'Rourke fourth in below-par test
ATHLETICS: World Indoor champion Derval O'Rourke finally opened her Indoor season in Athens last night when she clocked 8.09 as she finished fourth behind winner American Damu Cherry (7.94).
It was well outside her Irish record (7.84) but a good start considering O'Rourke had to take a complete break from training recently to rest a bruised foot.
Floodlight failure a gift to Neptune
BASKETBALL: Neptune have been awarded a default 20-0 victory from their February 2 clash with DCU Saints, which was abandoned when the floodlights failed.
At the time, the Saints were leading 90-89 with just under a minute and a half remaining on the clock.
Five hot dogs for 'heat from hell'
GREYHOUNDS: There is a tremendous line-up for the Tote Gold Cup which starts at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night. The appearance of the respective Irish and English Derby runners-up Tyrur Laurel and Loyal Honcho will be of real appeal to greyhound followers but the final heat of the round promises to be the race of the year to date.
This "heat from hell" includes five highly rated trackers and it's going to take some winning.
Involved will be Puppy Derby winner Royal Treason, Golden Jacket hero Caz Diamond, Junior Cup winner Ciaras Castle and the recent Tyrur Rhino Stake 1-2 Advantage Johnny and Tyrur Bertie.
