Other sport
Rugby Union
A 5,000-strong crowd turned out to watch Jonny Wilkinson take part in his first training session for his new club, French Top 14 side Toulon, on Thursday. The England scrum-half, speaking in the language of his adopted homeland, said: "It was fantastic, a unique atmosphere, lots of energy." Wilkinson ended a 12-year spell with English Premiership side Newcastle, the only club he has ever played for as a professional, in May when he signed for Toulon in a deal worth up to one million euros.
Basketball, NBA
Free agent Trevor Ariza is poised to leave NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers and join the Houston Rockets, while Ron Artest is expected to head in the other direction, according to media reports. The 24-year-old Ariza agreed terms on a five-year contract with the Rockets, the Houston Chronicle reported, just hours after the Los Angeles Times said Artest had met with Lakers executives. Ariza has reportedly agreed to a $33m contract with the Rockets.
Cycling
Japanese rider Fumiyuki Beppu is aiming to become the first cyclist from the land of the rising sun to reach Paris and finish the race which starts in Monaco today. The 26-year-old will be competing for Skil-Shimano when the first stage begins with a time trial around the tiny Principality. Beppu wants to be the first rider from Japan to finish all 21 stages. "The last time a Japanese rider was on the Tour was 13 years ago, so this is a really big thing for me and it's very exciting," said Beppu.
Formula One
The new Campos Meta team due to enter Formula One next year hope to announce one of their drivers in Valencia next month, team boss Adrian Campos said. The Spaniard told Autosport magazine that the Cosworth-engined car, designed by Italy's Dallara, was also progressing well. Spanish-based Campos Meta are one of three new teams due to make their debuts next season, the others being US F1 and Manor Grand Prix.