TIGER CONFIRMED FOR ASSISTANT ROLE IN PARIS

TIGER WOODS has been confirmed as one of US Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk’s vice-captains for this year’s competition in Paris. The 42-year-old has insisted he still has designs on making the team as a player but, despite his latest attempt at a comeback — which continues this week in Florida at the Honda Classic — the 14-time major champion will at least resume his non-playing role at Le Golf National in September. Presidents Cup captain Steve Stricker has also been named by Furyk as one of his off-field lieutenants as the Americans attempt to defend their trophy. A BRITISH energy drinks company are in talks to buy Formula One team Force India. Sportsmail understands Rich Energy are leading a consortium in negotiations over a deal worth around £200million. Silverstone-based Force India finished fourth in last year’s Constructors’ Championship but the team is expected to be sold with Indian owner Vijay Mallya fighting extradition back to his home country amid allegations of money laundering.

CRAIG HOPE

CALLUM SMITH finds himself confronted by a new opponent in Saturday’s World Boxing Super Series semi-final. German veteran Jurgen Brahmer pulled out sick yesterday just as Smith was heading to Nuremberg in the hope of joining George Groves in the final. Brahmer, a southpaw, has been replaced by unbeaten Dutch super-middleweight Nieky Holzken. Smith said: ‘I’m ready to face anybody.’

JEFF POWELL