Rugby Union: Australian rugby finally had some good news on the injury front yesterday after it was revealed that powerful winger Digby Ioane does not need surgery for a dislocated shoulder. Ioane injured his shoulder when he fell awkwardly during Australia's 21-20 loss to England in Sydney on Saturday. He was initially told he needed a season-ending operation, but a second scan has shown surgery is not needed and he may return in time for the Tri-Nations test against the All Blacks in Melbourne on July 31.
Commonwealth Games: The Commonwealth Games in October will compete for attention with India's obsession with cricket after a high-profile home series against Australia was announced yesterday. Ricky Ponting's men will play two Tests and three one-day internationals in India between October 2 to 24, clashing with the Games which take place in New Delhi from Oct. 3-14.
Golf: Seve Ballesteros, who is still recovering from brain surgery in 2008, will not take part in the British Open on the advice of his doctors, he said on his website. Doctors who examined him in Madrid on Wednesday said his condition was satisfactory but advised him to avoid "any undue stress or potentially emotional situations". Ballesteros, 53, underwent four operations in 2008 to remove a brain tumour, before undergoing chemotherapy sessions.
Cycling: British cycling ace Bradley Wiggins will as expected lead Team Sky's maiden Tour de France challenge after the team was announced yesterday. The 30-year-old two-time Olympic track gold medallist will be aiming to improve on his fourth place in last year's edition. Wiggins will be joined by two other British riders Geraint Thomas and former Commonwealth and world track champion Steve Cummings in the nine-man team.
Anelka: France striker Nicolas Anelka has extended his contract with Chelsea by a year just days after being sent home in disgrace from the World Cup, the English champions said yesterday. "Chelsea is delighted to announce that Nicolas Anelka has signed a one-year extension to his existing contract that will keep him at the club until 2012," a club spokesman said.
Deco: Deco will miss Portugal's final Group G match against Brazil today, according to coach Carlos Queiroz. The Brazil-born midfielder already missed the 7-0 rout of North Korea because of a left hip injury sustained in training.
Reid: Peter Reid has been appointed as the new manager of Plymouth Argyle. The former Sunderland and Leeds manager has moved to the south-west side from Premier League club Stoke, where he was assistant to Tony Pulis. Reid replaces another ex-England international in Paul Mariner, who failed to prevent Argyle's relegation from the Championship last season. Mariner will stay on as a coach.
Tickets: Fans eager to watch Sunday's World Cup showdown between England and Germany have a chance to buy tickets after organisers put just over 1,000 more on sale. Another 6,000 tickets will also be sold for tomorrow's match between the United States and Ghana, FIFA said.
Luis Fabiano: Sevilla president Jose Maria del Nido insists the club have no intention of selling Luis Fabiano to Milan. "We are negotiating with the player for the renewal of his contract," Del Nido said.