Sports round-up

Horse racing: The British Horseracing Authority scrapped controversial new rules regarding use of the whip which triggered uproar in the sport following their introduction earlier this month. A statement from the BHA said a rule which limited jockeys from using the whip no more than five times in the final furlong or after the last obstacle has now been removed.

Snooker: World Snooker have announced the number of players on the pro tour will rise from 96 to 128 from the 2013/14 season. The move is designed to offer greater opportunities to players from countries where snooker is a developing sport, and it will be bolstered by a revision of the qualifying school system. Players who qualify for the main tour will have a two-year exemption rather than one year under the current system, and the step will apply to those who succeed at the 2012 school.

Motor racing: The funeral of Dan Wheldon, killed in a 15-car crash at a Las Vegas race last Sunday, will be conducted in Florida today. Susie Wheldon, the racer’s wife, released details of the ceremony and invited the racing community to attend services at the church of St Petersburg. IndyCar will stage a memorial service to remember Wheldon in Indianapolis tomorrow.

Boxing: Bernard Hopkins has regained his light heavyweight title after WBC officials ruled his controversial loss to Chad Dawson should have been a technical draw. Hopkins had lodged an appeal over the outcome of the fight in which Dawson was awarded a TKO in the second round. It marked the first time Hopkins was stopped inside the distance in his career. The fight had ended in bizarre fashion after Dawson grabbed a leaning Hopkins by the leg, lifted him up and slammed him to the canvas.