HOPE AIMS TO TRIUMPH AS STIRLING MOVE LIFTS EXPECTATION

LUCY HOPE reckons her swimming switch to Stirling can help her become a medallist in Paris in 2024.

Hope goes in the 200metres freestyle in the world short-course championships, which start today in Abu Dhabi.

It’s the Scottish champion’s first international since quitting Edinburgh University to train alongside Tokyo gold medallists Duncan Scott and Kat Dawson under coach Steven Tigg. And Olympic finalist Hope, 24, said: “I’m trying to absorb as much as I can.”

Scott will open up in the 4x100m freestyle relay with Katie Shanahan in the 400m individual medley.

SKATING: Natasha McKay insists training with her rivals helped earn her place, which has been confirmed today, at February’s Winter Olympics.

McKay said: “The top three girls all trained in Dundee. We’re all friendly.” BOWLS: Darren Burnett is eyeing a hat-trick of Commonwealth golds at Birmingham in the summer after being named in the 10-strong Scotland team. Burnett – who last year feared his sporting career was over after breaking his arm – said: “I owe a lot of thanks to the consultant at Ninewells Hospital, the physios at sportscotland and all the medical team.” CURLING: Eve Muirhead and her team need one more win to qualify for the

Olympics after a 9-5 victory over Latvia in Leeuwarden, Holland. Already in this weekend’s play-offs, the Scots will bid to complete their round robin with a fifth straight win against Italy today. BASKETBALL: Glasgow Rocks’ late collapse cost a shot at BBL Cup glory as Manchester Giants won the semi-final second leg 92-79 – 184-181 on aggregate.