Golf: Ian Poulter has been named as one of Europe’s vice captains for this year’s Ryder Cup after the Englishman wrote off his chances of making the team as a player. The 40-year-old, expected to be out for four months because of injury, is one of four vice captains chosen by captain Darren Clarke for the event at Hazeltine National in September. While the inspirational Poulter will be missed on the team, his motivational qualities will be a huge boost to Europe as they try to win the trophy for the fourth time in a row.
Doping: Russian school children will be taught about anti-doping and the importance of clean sport as part of their PE lessons. The plan is part of a package of education measures announced by Russia’s Ministry of Sport intended to change attitudes to doping in the country. Russian sport has been in crisis since a damning report commissioned by WADA last year found evidence of systemic cheating. “We are working tirelessly to ensure that sport in our country is clean and fair,” said Natalia Zhelanova, anti-doping adviser to the minister of sport.
Basket, NBA: Golden State Warriors moved into a commanding position in the NBA Finals with a 110-77 romp over Cleveland Cavaliers, the defending champions easing to victory in front of a delighted home crowd. Draymond Green was the latest Warrior to shine as the team’s All-Star backcourt was afforded another quiet game, the power forward scoring a game-high 28 points as Golden State opened a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. The Cavs return home to Cleveland for Game Three tomorrow.
Surfing: The heavy storm that battered eastern Australia over the weekend had a major silver lining for a bunch of big wave surfers yesterday. Attracted by the promise of waves of up to 15 feet (4.5 metres), the daredevil surfers came from around Australia for the Red Bull Cafe Fear challenge in Botany Bay. They got what they wanted with huge waves crashing into the rocks at the break more correctly called Cape Solander, although ultimately conditions deteriorated to a point where the competition was postponed until today.