Maguire’s no Master of slip-up
BATTLING Scot Stephen Maguire avoided a slip-up to keep his German Masters bid alive.
He escaped a potential banana skin in beating Iran’s Soheil Vahedi 5-3 in the first round of qualifying.
Scott Donaldson eased to a 5-1 win over China’s Si Jiahui and Anthony McGill won 5-2 against Welshman Jackson Page.
Alan McManus, however, slipped to a 5-3 loss to England’s Gary Wilson and Eden Sharav was thumped 5-0 by Jimmy Robertson. Fraser Patrick lost 5-2 to Elliott Slessor. ICE HOCKEY: Omar Pacha hopes the tough calls to revamp his Dundee Stars roster can have a positive impact this weekend.
Stars will welcome new forwards Alex Schoenborn and Matt Carter for the weekend double-header against Nottingham Panthers.
They arrive after Elgin Pearce and Justin Maylan were released and head coach Pacha said: “The management and players are far from satisfied at the current position the club finds itself in.
“We have spent countless hours trying to find solutions and we believe our strategic decisions will help us turn this around.
“We would like to thank both Elgin and Justin for their efforts at the club. Decisions at times are difficult and those two were extremely tough ones to make. We are excited to welcome Alex and Matt.”
Glasgow Clan and Fife Flyers are also on the road at Sheffield Steelers and Manchester Storm. CRICKET: Joe Denly made 103 as England closed the first day of their warm-up fixture against South Africa A on 337 for five in Benoni.