Mageean earns London ticket

ATHLETICS

CIARA MAGEEAN booked her spot at the World Championships in London later this year by producing a strong run to finish ninth in the 1,500m at the Rome Diamond League last night, her time of 4:04.49 the second fastest of her career.

That put her well inside the IAAF qualifying standard of 4:07.50, and Mageean was understandably pleased with the run.

“I’m happy enough,” she said. “It was my first 1,500 of the season and I felt comfortable out there. That’s where I am right now, so I’ll try to build on that.”

The race was won by Sifan Hassan of the Netherlands, who clocked a world-leading 3:56.22.

BOXING

KATIE TAYLOR and Ryan Burnett could share a double world title bill in Belfast or Dublin later this year if Burnett wins his IBF world title fight tomorrow, according to Eddie Hearn.

The Matchroom promoter has reiterated that Taylor’s next bout will take place in the USA, with a July or August date expected to be confirmed next week, ahead of a homecoming world title shot in November.

However, that plan may depend on the outcome of Burnett’s fight tomorrow when the undefeated Belfast native headlines a card for the first time against IBF world bantamweight champion Lee Haskins at the Odyssey Arena.

BASKETBALL

GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS took a 3-0 lead over defending champions Cleveland Cavaliers with a 118-113 victory in the latest game in the best-of-seven NBA Finals.

Kevin Durant scored 31 points for the Warriors, who have the opportunity tonight to become the first team to go unbeaten en route to a title.

Cleveland led by six points with three minutes to play but Durant led an impressive 11-0 run to secure the win.

CRICKET

LATE call-up Danushka Gunathilaka’s superb knock helped Sri Lanka keep their Champions Trophy bid alive with a shock seven-wicket win over India.

Gunathilaka hit 76 in 72 balls from the top of the order as Sri Lanka cruised past India’s target of 321.

Kusal Mendis also made an excellent 89 and captain Angelo Mathews an unbeaten 52 as Sri Lanka hauled themselves back into contention.