SPORT IN BRIEF
Durham close in on second title
CRICKET: Durham closed in on a second successive LV County Championship division one title yesterday after making a flying start in their crunch match with closest rivals Nottinghamshire.
Durham need just 11 points to win the title with two matches to spare.
Michael Di Venuto smashed a magnificent unbeaten 219 while fellow opener Kyle Coetzer hit 107 as Durham ended day one on 377-1
Thomas leads Sky assault
CYCLING:Olympic gold medallist Geraint Thomas was the star name as cycling’s Team Sky announced the capture of their first six riders yesterday.
The team, funded by broadcasters BSkyB, expect to take part in next year’s Tour de France. Thomas will be joined by former Barloworld team-mates Steve Cummings and Chris Froome, Tour of Ireland champion Russell Downing, Ian Stannard and Peter Kennaugh.
Reds fan Shields is freed
FOOTBALL: Liverpool fan Michael Shields walked free from prison yesterday after receiving the royal pardon for the attempted murder of barman Martin Georgiev.
The 22-year-old was convicted of the attack, which took place in Varna, Bulgaria on the eve of Liverpool’s Champions League triumph in 2005.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw issued the royal pardon, stating Mr Shields was “morally and technically innocent.”