SODERBERG UP FOR CHALLENGE
SEBASTIAN SODERBERG is braced for a “mentally challenging” weekend despite taking a three-shot lead into the third round of the Volvo China Open.
The in-form Swede added a second-round 65 to his opening 63 at Hidden Grace Golf Club for 16 under par. England’s Paul Waring also returned a 65 to reach 13 under.
Scott Jamieson (70) and David Law (71) are in a group tied for 31st at five under, with fellow Scots Richie Ramsay (68) on four under and Calum Hill (69) one shot further back.
Soderberg said: “It’s about staying in the present, taking one shot at a time and trying to see the positives, not negatives. It’ll be a mentally challenging weekend for sure.” TENNIS: Injury struck again at the Madrid Open as an emotional Jiri Lehecka was forced to retire in the first set of his semi-final against Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The Czech, who ended Rafael Nadal’s last appearance at his home tournament on Tuesday, had a back spasm in the sixth game. After treatment he slumped to the court, picking himself up to shake hands with his opponent before smashing his racquet in frustration.
Auger-Aliassime progresses to his first Masters 1000 final, where he’ll face Andrey Rublev, who followed up one of the biggest wins of his career over Carlos Alcaraz by beating Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-3.
BASKETBALL: Caledonia Gladiators’ season crashed to an end as Newcastle Eagles dished out a 94-71 rout. It gave the Eagles a 2-0 victory in the BBL play-off last eight, with the Scots unable to force a decider.
ICE HOCKEY: GB netminder Lucas Brine has joined Glasgow Clan on a two-year deal from Dundee Stars.