Yarnold smashes track record to turn up heat in Winterberg

Lizzy Yarnold smashed the track record on her way to establishing a 0.07 second lead after the first two runs of the Skeleton World Championships in Winterberg.

The Olympic champion recorded a time of 57.44 in her first run yesterday and maintained her slim advantage over Canada’s Elisabeth Vathje ahead of the two concluding runs today.

Yarnold is aiming to complete the set of major skeleton medals, having previously won Olympic, World Cup and European titles in her sport.

Yarnold’s Great Britain team-mate Rose McGrandle was a placed a creditable sixth at the half-way stage, with another Briton, Laura Deas, further back in 10th place.

Bournemouth top the table again

Bournemouth returned to the top of the Championship after their recent blip with a 5-1 win at Fulham. Two goals each from Matt Ritchie and Brett Pitman did the damage, with central defender Steve Cook adding a fifth six minutes from time. Fulham had Fernando Amorebieta sent off.

Tuesday’s win over Wolves was Bournemouth’s first in six matches, but their revival is now in full swing.

KP offered deals from counties

Exiled England batsman Kevin Pietersen claims he has “a few offers” to consider from prospective county employers, including one from Leicestershire for the T20 Blast. He tweeted: “Lots to think about, desperate to put [England shirt numbers] 626 and 185 back on my chest.”

Blatter urges Iran to permit women

Fifa president Sepp Blatter has urged Iran to end a ban preventing women from watching football in stadiums. In 2006, then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said women could attend matches in a special section, but the decision was overruled. Blatter said the ban “cannot continue”. He added: “Hence, my appeal to the Iranian authorities; open the nation’s football stadiums to women.”

Saints maintain their Super start

St Helens maintained their 100 per cent start to the new Super League season with a 20-16 victory at Wakefield Wildcats last night.

There were shocks elsewhere, with Castleford, previously without a win this season, thrashing Wigan 42-14.

Huddersfield, another club without a win prior to last night, also broke their duck, beating Widnes 24-12.