Del Potro won’t be taking any chances Down Under

ARGENTINA’S Juan Martin del Potro will miss next month’s Australian Open due to injury.

The ex-US Open champ has been plagued by wrist problems since he became world No.4 back in 2010 – and he insists he wants to avoid any setbacks.

The Olympic silver medallist may also miss his country’s Davis Cup first round tie against Italy in February as Argentina defend the title they won in November. Del Potro began 2016 ranked 1,042th but finished 38th after a year that included wins over Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray. He said earlier this week: “Tennis waited two years for me and can wait one more Australian Open.” ICE HOCKEY: Sebastien Thinel will spend the next few weeks as a spectator as Fife battle for a play-off spot. The Canadian winger damaged his hand and won’t play again until he’s 100 per cent – which could be at least three weeks according to Flyers medical staff.

The former ECHL and CHL player, who has also iced for two French teams, is determined to stay in shape and will start skating next week. He said: “There is no point in coming back to the team if I am not 100 per cent.”

Tonight seventh-placed Fife host bottom club Edinburgh Capitals, the sides with the worst records in the Elite League.

Elsewhere, Dundee Stars visit Manchester Storm and Braehead Clan entertain Belfast Giants. GOLF: A late birdie blitz by James Byrne earned him a joint-third finish in Thailand’s Banchory. The Scot birdied the 14th, 15th and 18th holes in a five-under-par 66 in the Asian Developmental Tour’s Boonchu Ruangkit Championship at Charvnee Resort and Country Club in Thailand yesterday.

His 14-under-par total earned him £4,844. Danthai Boonma beat fellow Thai star Jazz Janewattananond in a sudden death playoff to win the title.