SPORT | IN BRIEF
Westwood in blood clot scare
GOLF: England’s Lee Westwood is still hopeful of playing in the French Open, which starts today, despite a blood clot scare.
The world No3 pulled out of yesterday’s pro-am in order to see a doctor about his swollen right calf and ankle, sparking fears he could miss next month’s Open.
But Westwood was reassured when tests ruled out a blood clot or deep vein thrombosis, with medics blaming a severe reaction to heat.
Tigers wary of opening games
RUGBY UNION: Leicester boss Richard Cockerill has warned his team that they have been handed a tough start to their Premiership title defence.
The champions kick off the new campaign with games against Northampton, Exeter, Wasps, Leeds and Saracens.
Tigers coach Cockerill said: “It’s just important we have a good start with Saints away. It’ll be an interesting local derby. It’s a tough start, those first five games.”
Howard ICC role bid thwarted
CRICKET: Former Australian Prime Minister John Howard has been snubbed in his bid to be vice-president of the International Cricket Council.
An Australasian candidate is due to take up the presidency in 2012, and Howard saw the No2 job as a stepping stone to the top role.
But the ICC has told Australia’s and New Zealand’s cricket chiefs to nominate someone else as Howard “did not have sufficient support in the ICC board”.