Snooker: Ali Carter received a standing ovation as he made his return to snooker yesterday. The 35-year-old was diagnosed with lung cancer in May pushing his body through punishing sessions of chemotherapy and major surgery. However, he was back on the baize at the Champion of Champions event at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena. Despite the cheers from the crowd, he was unable to make a winning return against Neil Robertson. Breaks of 111 and 106 in the second and third frames helped the Australian to a convincing 4-0 win.

Cricket: The West Indies Cricket Board has appealed to the Board of Control for Cricket in India to come to a “mutually agreeable solution” over the abandoned series between the sides. An internal contractual dispute led to the West Indies squad leaving India midway through a tour last month. The BCCI have responded with a £26.2m damages claim against the WICB, which it holds solely responsible for the financial loss incurred due to the cancellation. It is well known that West Indian cricket does not have the means to meet such a figure and WICB officials are hopeful of forging a diplomatic solution.

Basketball: Croatian upstarts Cedevita Zagreb produced one of the biggest shocks in Euroleague history when they stunned holders Maccabi Tel Aviv 83-73 late Thursday. Back in Europe’s premier club basketball competition after making an early exit with a 2-8 record on their debut in the 2012-13 season, Cedevita celebrated their first win after three successive defeats this term. Five of their players finished with double scoring digits in Tel Aviv, led by former Toronto Raptors shooting guard Roko Leni Ukic who netted 17 points.