WORLD OF SPORT

CATRIONA MATTHEW says it will be a dream come true to captain Europe’s Solheim Cup golfers in pursuit of a hat-trick of victories on Scottish soil in 2019. The 48-year-old was on the losing side at Des Moines in Iowa last month, but she is now focused on regaining the trophy from the USA on the Centenary Course at Gleneagles. Matthew said: ‘I still have goals of my own, but this is the pinnacle of my Solheim career.’

Andre WArd has shocked boxing by announcing his retirement after a glittering career of 32 fights unbeaten. America’s Ward, 33, won world titles at super-middleweight and lightheavyweight and had been pondering a move to heavyweight. He said: ‘My body can’t put up with the rigours of the sport.’ SALFORD’S Ryan Lannon was sent off for a shocking assault on Theo Fages last night as St Helens won 30-4 to all but book their semi-final place. The rugby league forward hit Fages late, apparently in revenge for an elbow by Saints’ Alex Walmsley on Jordan Walne.