SPORT IN BRIEF
Murray progresses in Cincinnati
TENNIS: Britain’s Andy Murray began his defence of the Cincinnati Masters with a 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 win over Nicolas Almagro.
New world No2 Murray was made to work in the first set but thereafter soon wrapped up victory to book a third-round clash with Radek Stepanek.
McFadden gives Pompey blues
FOOTBALL: Birmingham striker James McFadden’s injury-time penalty gave the Blues a controversial 1-0 win at home to Portsmouth.
Pompey goalkeeper David James conceded the spot kick when he collided with Sebatian Larsson, though the clash looked accidental. Defeat leaves Portsmouth pointless after two games.
ICC: Ashes aren’t fixed
CRICKET: The Ashes series has not been tainted by match-fixing, world chiefs the ICC insisted yesterday, following reports of an attempt to rig results.
An Australia player was approached by a man thought to have links with illegal gambling after the second Test, but the ICC said: “There is no evidence of any illegal activity as a result of this approach.”
Moyes axes City target Lescott
FOOTBALL: Everton boss David Moyes last night axed unsettled Joleon Lescott from tonight’s clash with Sigma Olomouc – and then challenged Manchester City to make an acceptable bid for the England defender.
“Joleon’s attitude has not been right these past days,” said Moyes. “He’s not in the right frame of mind. No club has made us an offer that we want to accept.”