Sport in brief
Winter Olympics
The whistleblower whose testimony was crucial to Russia being banned from the Winter Olympics is ready to testify against the accused at forthcoming hearings, despite his life being under “serious threat”. The lawyer for Grigory Rodchenkov, the former Russian anti-doping official who revealed details of a statesponsored anti-doping programme, said his client will cooperate with the Court of Abritration for Sport despite reported threats emerging from Russia. The International Olympic Committee banned 43 athletes,
42 of whom have appealed to CAS. Rodchenkov is likely to testify at the hearings, but lawyer Jim Walden told the BBC: “Dr Rodchenkov is at the top of the Russian hate list. At least one official has called for his execution.”
Golf
Asia staged a late comeback to maintain their slim lead over defending champions Europe of 6½ to 5½ on the second day of the EurAsia Cup. After trailing 3½-2 ½ following Friday’s fourballs, Europe drew level through Tommy Fleetwood and Henrik Stenson, who upstaged India’s SSP Chawrasia and Anirban Lahiri, courtesy of seven birdies. Paul Casey and Tyrrell Hatton then gave Europe the lead with a two-and-one victory over Kiradech Aphibarnrat and An Byeong-hun, before Matthew Fitzpatrick and Thomas Pieters doubled the advantage. At the BMW South Africa Open, England’s Chris Paisley will take a one-shot lead over pre-tournament favourite Branden Grace into the final day.
Cricket
Aiden Markram fell six runs short of a third century in only his fifth Test, before South Africa’s strong start against India was checked by late wickets in Centurion. The 23-year-old helped the hosts to end day one of the second Test on 269 for six. The hosts had been 246 for three, but suffered three late wickets as they looked to secure a series victory. In Dunedin, New Zealand clinched a one-day series victory by bowling out Pakistan for 74. The hosts set Pakistan a target of 258, following standout displays from Kane Williamson (73) and Ross Taylor (52). Pakistan openers Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman went for a duck and two. Faheem Ashraf (10), Mohammad Amir (14) and Sarfraz Ahmed (14no) also fell cheaply in a 183-run defeat.
Athletics
Double European indoor champion Laura Muir anchored Great Britain to victory in the mixed team relay event at the Great Edinburgh Cross Country. Muir took the baton in third place, but soon hit the front and powered to a comfortable win around the 4x1km Holyrood course. The British quartet of Tom Marshall, Alexandra Bell, Adam Clarke and Muir finished in 11min 33sec, seven seconds ahead of Belgium in second. Muir, 24, said: “When Adam came round close to the front, I thought, ‘I’ve got to work really hard and make sure’. I got to the front and left a bit in the tank till the end and put the foot down in the last 200.”