Trump's too good for Dunn

SNOOKER: World No 2 Judd Trump last night eased through his qualifying match at the Welsh Open on a day without shocks at the Newport Centre.

Trump was too good for Mike Dunn, progressing 4-0, taking 59 minutes to knock out his opponent and move into the last 32.

He said: "Tonight was a good warm-up. My long potting was good today and I feel like I'm cueing well."

Former two-time world champion Mark Williams beat Liu Chuang 4-1. Williams won the tournament in 1996 and 1999 but has underperformed in the event in recent years.

"That was a lot more like it," said the Welshman. "It's the first time I have shown signs of being a professional snooker player for a few months."

Nevin's out for five weeks more

BOXING: Olympic silver medallist John Joe Nevin will be out for another five weeks with the wrist injury that forced him to relinquish his Irish Elite title.

"It's very disappointing, but my focus is now on getting back to full fitness and I should be back around St Patrick's Day," said Nevin.

Elsewhere, Matthew Macklin has advised Andy Lee to put up or shut up following the Limerick man's remarks that Macklin would be an easy fight.

"If Andy wants it, all he has to do is call Lou (DiBella) and we can get it on. Otherwise, he needs to stop talking about a fight he's afraid to take and get on with his own career," he said.

Italians launch Cipollini probe

CYCLING: The Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) has confirmed it has opened an investigation into former world champion Mario Cipollini following reports he is connected to a doping ring.

Gazzetta dello Sport published articles over the weekend claiming Cipollini was a client of Spanish doctor Eufemiano Fuentes, who remains under investigation in Madrid.

HOCKEY: The Irish teams preparing for impending World Hockey League tournaments enjoyed contrasting fortunes yesterday. The Delhi-bound men lost 3-0 to Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. But the women beat Spain at the third attempt, Anna O'Flanagan getting the game's only goal.

NBA: Philadelphia 90 LA Clippers 107, Charlotte 94 Boston 91, Cleveland 92 Minnesota 100, Indiana 84 (OT) Brooklyn 89, Detroit 86 New Orleans 105, Chicago 89 San Antonio 103, Milwaukee 90 Washington 102, Dallas 101 Atlanta 105.