TENNIS: France’s number one Richard Gasquet has secured the coaching services of double French Open winner Sergi Bruguera, of Spain. Reports said world number nine Gasquet, had told close insiders that Bruguera, who triumphed at Roland Garros in 1993 and 1994, would start in February. Gasquet, who parted with Italian coach Riccardo Piatti during the ATP World Tour finals earlier this month, will still work with compatriot Sebas-tien Grosjean.
RUGBY LEAGUE: New Zealand drew first blood in the build-up to tomorrow’s World Cup final against Australia when Sonny Bill Williams was named the Rugby League International Federation player of the year. The Sydney Roosters forward beat Australia’s Greg Inglis as well as Scotland’s Danny Brough, the Super League Man of Steel, for the top award at the RLIF’s gala dinner at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester. The award crowns a remarkable first season back in Rugby League for Williams, who returned to the sport at the turn of the year after a five-year spell in Rugby Union and boxing.
SNOOKER: Liang Wenbo admitted he rushed a big chance to make snooker history in York as he went close to making the 100th maximum break during his UK Championship opener. The 26-year-old Chinese player was bidding for his second career 147, having made his first in Prestatyn five years ago, but after clearing 15 reds and adding black each time he missed the yellow, and with it went the chance of a £59,000 bonus. Steve Davis made the first maximum in professional com-petition in 1982, with Judd Trump firing the 99th during the Antwerp Open earlier this month. The 120 break put the seal on a 6-2 win for Liang over 19-year-old potter Elliot Slessor.
Other result: Chuang-Drago 6-1.
GOLF: Adam Scott revived memories of Greg Norman’s glory days when he wowed the Sydney crowds with a brilliant 10-under-par 62 to take a three-stroke lead after the opening round of the Australian Open yes-terday. The world no.2 smashed the course record by three shots as he continued his celebratory tour of his homeland.
RUGBY UNION: Australia have recalled banned backs Adam Ashley-Cooper and Nick Cummins to the starting line-up for their final test of the year against Wales in Cardiff tomor-row. Wallabies coach Ewen McKenzie had dished out one-match bans to six of his tour party after an inappropriate drinking session prior to the win over Ireland in Dublin a fortnight ago. Versatile back Ashley-Cooper and Cummins were among those stood down from the win over Scotland last weekend but both return to face Six Nations cham-pions Wales.