LOTTO JOY AGAIN FOR CALEB
Salford star prays that Jansin makes speedy recovery after Ibiza accident TENNIS: FRENCH OPEN, SECOND QUALIFYING ROUND
AUSTRALIAN Caleb Ewan was the quickest in the saddle as he sprinted to his second stage win on this year’s Giro d’Italia.
The Lotto-Soudal rider crossed the finish line first on stage 11 in Novi Ligure ahead of Frenchman Arnaud Demare and German Pascal Ackermann to add to his previous success on stage eight.
Italian Valerio Conti remains in could still reach £100,000. Hastings (above, left) and Red Devils hooker Joey Lussick were housemates of Turgut (above, right) before his release by Salford for an off-the-field matter earlier this month.
Now Hastings will pay tribute to his close friend in Sunday’s Anfield clash with Hull KR before handing the shirt to Turgut’s family.
“I want to honour my mate in the best way possible,” said Hastings.
“I’ll take that straight off at the end of the game to give to his family as a show of respect from me to them.
“I formed such a great friendship with him that it’s the least I can do.
“It breaks your heart, especially for Joey and myself, we took Jansin into our house and spent seven the leader’s pink jersey with a lead of one minute 50 seconds over Slovenian rider Primoz Roglic.
Britain’s Hugh Carthy is 4:36 off the lead in 16th spot, while compatriot Simon Yates is 24th, 5:36 behind Conti.
Today’s 12th stage is the first day’s racing in the Alps with a hilly 158km ride from Cuneo to Pinerolo. months with him. We spent every day together, trained together, went to events together – we did everything together.
“He went from being a complete stranger to one of the best mates I’ve got and when I found out about it, it shattered me.
“His family have been unbelievable, keeping in contact with all his mates, and how strong Steph his partner and his mum Carole have been for everyone has been remarkable – I’m so proud of them.
“They know if they need anything they can call any of us and we’ll be there for them. It’s one of those things you never think will happen to a mate of yours and someone you’re very close with.”
Salford chief executive Ian Blease reported that there had been “more positive news” on Wednesday, but that Turgut still faces a lengthy road to recovery.
An online fundraising page set up for his treatment quickly totalled £15,000 for the 23-year-old, who started his career at hometown club Hull FC.
Aussie Hastings, also 23, added: “I’ve been praying so hard for good news. He’s had to fight his whole life.
“I’ve got to know him
SHE’S SWAN OF OUR OWN
BRITAIN’S Katie Swan and Heather Watson have moved a step nearer the main draw at the French Open.
Swan (right), who is ranked 208th, impressed in her Roland Garros debut with a straight sets 6-4 6-2 win over second seed Jil Teichmann.
Fifth-seed Watson beat the Holland’s Bibiane Schoofs 6-2 really well and he’s come through some things not a lot of people have to deal with. We’re friends forever, we’ve got such a great bond, and we’ve had similar upbringings.
“I’ve got huge respect for his mum, dad and partner – they know they can ring me at any time and ask for anything and I’m the same.
“With not having parents over here in England, Carole’s always been there for me and I love her to bits and hope she’s holding up.
“Jansin is a tough fella. I’m extremely proud of him and I just hope in my heart of hearts that he pulls through this and makes a speedy recovery.”
■ You can donate to Jansin Turgut’s fundraising page at https://www.paypal.com/pools/ c/8eVOKdg6S8 4-6 6-4. Swan will face China’s Wang Xiyu in the second round, with Watson set to take on Greece’s Valentini Grammatikopoulou. Swan is hoping to reach her first Grand Slam main draw outside Wimbledon, while Watson is bidding to come through qualifying at Roland Garros for the fourth time in her career.