Round-up

Motor Racing: Danica Patrick, whose only IndyCar triumph came in Japan in 2008, said she is worried about going back to Japan for a race next week because of possible radiation contamination issues. “I don’t want to make anyone mad but heck yeah I’m concerned,” Patrick said. “The radiation seems like it’s OK, but I’m concerned about the food.”

Boxing: World boxing champion Manny Pacquiao has backed away from plans to run for vice-president of the Philippines in five years’ time, saying he will still be too young. During a visit to Mexico earlier in the week to promote his next world title bout, he told Philippine broadcaster GMA television that he planned to quit boxing by mid-2016 to run for vice-president. But in a subsequent interview the 32-year-old said: “No, it’s not possible yet. I’m not old enough.”

Rugby Union: New Zealand-born lock Justin Ives has been forced to leave Japan’s World Cup squad in New Zealand after failing to regain full fitness from an injury to his left knee. He has been replaced by Yuji Kitagawa.

Swimming: Top American and European swimmers will meet in December in the fifth Duel in the Pool on December 16-17 at the Georgia Tech Aquatic Center. The biennial event is designed to showcase swim stars ahead of the upcoming 2012 Olympics in a short-course event.