SPORT | IN BRIEF
Tiger back on form at Sawgrass
GOLF: Tiger Woods made a welcome return to form as he closed in on the leaders in the Players’ Championship at Sawgrass.
Woods, who missed the cut in the Quail Hollow Championship last week, was just three shots behind clubhouse leaders JB Holmes and Robert Allenby on three-under-par as he approached the famous 17th. England’s Luke Donald shot a five-under-par 67.
Elsewhere, English duo Robert Rock and Graeme Storm shot five-under-par 67s to take a share of the lead after the first day of the Italian Open.
Meanwhile, Anthony Kim has been sidelined for at least two months after undergoing surgery on a thumb injury.
Ted Spread’s a Derby chance
RACING: Ted Spread enhanced his Derby chances after coming through to win the Chester Vase in a thrilling finish.
The 8-1 chance, ridden by Darryll Holland, has now been quoted at 50-1 for the Epsom showcase on 5 June after holding off Icon Dream in second and Chink of Light in third.
Dempsey calls it a day
RUGBY UNION: Leinster and Ireland full back Girvan Dempsey has announced his retirement at the end of the season.
Dempsey, 34, played in two World Cups in his 84 caps for the Irish but has recently lost his place in the Ireland team to Leinster team-mate Rob Kearney.
Portmsouth debt rises to £138m
FOOTBALL: Portsmouth’s debts have now swelled to a staggering £138m, according to the club’s administrators.
A report disclosed to creditors last month estimated the relegated Premier League side were £122.8m in the red, but administrator Andrew Andronikou has been revealed that figure has risen substantially due to HMRC charges.
Serena denied family affair
TENNIS: No1 seed Serena Williams set up a semi-final with sister Venus after breezing past Russian Maria Kirilenko in the Italian Open. She now plays Jelena Jankovic, who thrashed her sister Venus 6-0, 6-1 in the other tie.