SPORT IN BRIEF
De la Hoya backs Haye
BOXING: Oscar De La Hoya believes Britain’s new heavyweight champion David Haye can take the world by storm.
Haye took the WBA belt after beating Russian giant Nikolai Valuev in Germany ten days ago and De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions believe he can set the division alight both sides of the water.
“I’m really, really excited about David Haye – he can inject enthusiasm and charisma – bring back those fans that were so passionate about the heavyweight division.”
Shanklin out of Pumas clash
RUGBY UNION: Wales will be without centre Tom Shanklin for Saturday’s clash with Argentina at the Millennium Stadium.
Shanklin broke his nose in the 17-13 win over Samoa on Friday after a collision with team-mate Gethin Jenkins.
He is due to be replaced by Scarlet Jonathan Davies, while Ospreys’ Andrew Bishop has been called up as cover.
Storrie appears in court
FOOTBALL: Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie has appeared in court on a tax evasion charge.
Storrie appeared before City of Westminster magistrates accused of one count of cheating the public revenue between 1 July, 2003 and 28 November, 2007.
He was bailed to appear at Southwark Crown Court on 20 January.
Storrie is alleged to have concealed a signing-on fee for midfielder Amdy Faye, on which tax and national insurance was not paid, by paying it via an agent.
Panesar’s England vow
CRICKET: Spinner Monty Panesar believes his move to Sussex will help him reclaim his place in the England side.
Panesar, 27, joined the south-coast county from Northamptonshire on a three-year deal yesterday and said: “Success in this new challenge with Sussex can only improve my chances of reclaiming my place with England, which is the pinnacle for any player.”
Dravid leads India charge
CRICKET: Rahul Dravid became the fifth highest run scorer in Test cricket after helping India recover from 32-4 to post 385-6 at the close of day one against Sri Lanka.
Dravid smashed a fine unbeaten 177 while sharing a sixth-wicket parnership of 224 with MSDhoni, who hit 110.
Sachin Tendulkar, on the 20th anniversary of his Test debut, could only score four.