Anna's clay test

TENNIS: Anna Fitzpatrick, the 18-year-old Sheffield player who became the first Briton for six years to reach the semi-finals of the girls' singles at this year's Wimbledon, is currently playing two tournaments in Russia on her weakest surface, clay.
By The Newsroom
Published 20th Aug 2007, 16:01 BST
Updated 21st Aug 2007, 08:35 BST

She said: "It is hard for me to impose my game on clay but the best way to learn is to get out there and do it and realise that long term it is great for my game. Then it's on to Ukraine, possibly India and a long spell in America."

Tim to play on

TENNIS: Former British number one Tim Henman insists he “still really enjoys” the game despite reports that he is set to announce his retirement.

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Henman, 32, has called a press conference for Thursday when he intends to put an end to speculation by spelling out his intentions for the rest of the year.

But although he admits that injuries are catching up with him - his latest complaint being a back problem that forced him to pull out of the Pilot Pen tournament in New Haven - he believes his passion for competition is as strong as ever.

Henman, whose briefing comes as part of the build-up to the US Open in New York, said: “I will be holding a press conference in New York ahead of the US Open on Thursday to discuss my plans.”

It will be Henman’s chance to confirm or deny suggestions that he will call time on his career at the end of Britain’s Davis Cup clash against Croatia, which begins on September 21.

Dream is over

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CRICKET: The Lord’s dream is over for Hathersage in the National Village Knockout.

The surprise semi-finalists from the Yorkshire and Derbyshire League, with a number of Sheffield players in their ranks, went out to York team Woodhouse Grange who were winners iin 1995 and runners-up in 1999.

Hathersage were put in on a damp wicket and were all out for 68 and the home side knocked them off without loss.

Lesson learned

BOXING: Promoter Frank Warren believes the knockdown Amir Khan suffered in his victory over Willie Limond has led potential opponents to believe he has a “chink in the armour”.

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Khan has vowed to learn from the first knockdown of his career when he returns to the ring against Scott Lawton on October 6.

He had to get off the canvas to claim the Commonwealth lightweight title against Scot Limond last month.

And having announced a 12-round showdown with Stoke’s Lawton - who has a record of 20 wins (four by knockout) and three defeats - at the Nottingham Arena, Warren believes more fighters are willing to take on the youngster having witnessed his last bout.

Birthdays

Mike Weston (rugby union) - former England and British and Irish Lions stand-off, 69.

David Hopkin (soccer) - former Palace, Bradford and Leeds midfielder, 37.

Related topics:RussiaWimbledonSheffieldCroatiaTennis