Sportsday - rolling sports news

1. Champions League quarter-final build-up
2. A look at tonight's 10 Championship games
3. County championship cricket updates
4. Get involved: Sporting legends you'd bring back? #bbcsportsday

Sportsday Live

That's it for Sportsday Live for Tuesday.

You can follow all of Tuesday evening's football action via the BBC Sport website and there is live commentary of Middlesbrough v Wolves on BBC Radio 5 live from 19:45 BST.

The live text and radio commentary of day two of the first Test between England and the West Indies in Antigua is also continuing as James Anderson claims his 381st Test wicket.

Sportsday Live will return on Wednesday at 08:00 BST.

Champions League quarter-final build-up

Reuters

In Tuesday's other quarter-final, Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo could return from a calf injury as the Serie A champions bid to make their first Champions League semi-final since 2003.

The Italy playmaker has not played for seven weeks after picking the an injury in the first leg of Juve's victory over Borussia Dortmund in the last 16.

Ex-Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is out with a hamstring injury while Monaco captain Jeremy Toulalan and defender Ricardo Carvalho are likely to miss out through injury.

Champions League quarter-final build-up

Reuters

Tuesday evening also sees two Champions League quarter-finals games, Atletico Madrid are boosted by the return of 20-goal striker Mario Mandzukic after the Croatian missed league games against Real Sociedad and Malaga with an ankle problem.

Raul Garcia is also expected to recover from an elbow injury while Jan Oblak is set to retain his place in goal.

Real are at full strength for the first time in five months with James Rodriguez and Toni Kroos returning from suspension.

Get involved

We've been asking which sporting legend you would want back at their peak and why?

Here are the last of your replies...

Euan Broderick: Pierluigi Collina. Takes no nonsense and makes his authority clear, so I feel is needed today in the game.

The One & Only AP: Can you imagine Cruyff in his prime today! Wow he would still be the best of all time! Pele and Maradona not best of all time.

James Porter: Roberto Carlos for his breathtaking free-kicks or Lee Trundle for his effortless skill and making defenders look stupid.

Race for the Premier League

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Watford boss Slavisa Jokanovic takes his side into their game at Nottingham Forest on Wednesday predicting more twists and turns in the Championship promotion race.

"I am enjoying it too and my team are enjoying it. All of us expect and believe we will have a happy end," says Jokanovic, whose rivals play on Tuesday.

"To arrive at that we must play four games more. Everything is possible. I don't believe all the teams will win all the points.

"Somebody will make a mistake during these four. I don't expect us to make a mistake but you never know. Wednesday is a new examination for us in front of 20,000 people. I expect to be ready to this fight."

Race for the Premier League

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Norwich can go top of the Championship tonight if they win at Leeds and Bournemouth fail to beat Reading.

The Canaries also play Middlesbrough, Rotherham and Fulham in their Championship run-in and manager Alex Neil has targeted a 100% record.

"We want to win every game - we've won the last four in a row, which has been great," he said. "We've got four games left so we need to continue that momentum, and if we do that I believe we'll be where we want to be.

"I think the significance of the game for us as a group is crucial. We've got good momentum at the moment, we've got big belief and we've got to go there and make sure we put on a good performance."

Race for the Premier League

PA

Time to look ahead to Tuesday night's football and seven of the top eight are in action in the Championship, including leaders Bournemouth making the trip to Reading.

Cherries boss Eddie Howe is refusing to get carried away in a Championship race which sees the top four separated by just two points.

"If we had a shot to do something on the last day then I would take that but I don't think we should get ahead of ourselves," said Howe.

"It is ridiculously tight and nothing will be given to us, we have to do it ourselves."

Brownlees keen to race on home soil

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Olympic medallists Alistair and Jonny Brownlee could get the chance to compete in a major event in their home city after Leeds was chosen as the British candidate to stage a round of the ITU World Triathlon Series in 2016.

"The ITU World Triathlon Series is about delivering world-class racing in iconic locations and Leeds will guarantee to do just that," said Alistair Brownlee.

The calendar of ITU World Triathlon Series events for 2016 is expected to be announced by the ITU next month.

Great Britain men set to take on Germany

World Sport Pics

Later this evening at 19:00 BST, Great Britain's men's hockey team will face world number three side and Olympic champions Germany in the Nations Cup.

The match will be played in front of a sell-out crowd at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre in the Olympic Park.

The last time Great Britain beat Germany was at the Olympic Games in Sydney in 2000. The two sides met last month in a test match which finished in a 2-2 draw.

Leigh defiant over Hock

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Championship leaders Leigh are on a collision course with Super League neighbours Salford over former England international Gareth Hock.

The Centurions look set to defy an agreement struck between Hock and his former club by playing him in Saturday's Ladbrokes Challenge Cup fifth-round tie against the Super League club at the Leigh Sports Village.

Salford owner Marwan Koukash has insisted the former England forward cannot play against them after signing a "compromise agreement" when he negotiated a release from his contract in March.

But Leigh say they were unaware of the private agreement when they signed the player and, after taking legal advice, announced on Tuesday that Hock will be made available to coach Paul Rowley.

Itoje signs new Saracens deal

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England Saxons lock forward Maro Itoje has signed a contract extension at Saracens.

Itoje captained the England U20s to the Junior World Championship and is one of the most highly-rated players in the country.

He made his debut for the Saxons against the Ireland Wolfhounds in January.

Get involved

We've been asking which sporting legend you would want back at their peak and why?

Let us know via Twitter using #bbcsportsday and via the BBC Sport Facebook page. Here are some of your replies...

James-Oliver Batten: Without a shadow of a doubt Gazza! The man was a different class on the pitch in his prime.

Ian Edwards: Would love to have Botham back to see him in T20 action and useful to have in the ranks for an Ashes summer.

Ciaran Sinclair: Has to be Jonah Lomu, as quick and powerful as anyone and an amazing technician on the ball, such an exciting player to watch.

Venus Williams pulls out of Fed Cup tie

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Venus Williams has withdrawn from the United States team for this weekend's Fed Cup play-off in Italy because of a personal matter.

US captain Mary Joe Fernandez confirmed that Williams, whose sister Serena is also included on the team, is not injured and that her withdrawal is not related to any medical condition but rather 'something came up'.

She will be replaced by world number 57 Lauren Davis.

Djokovic makes winning start in Monte Carlo

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World number one Novak Djokovic made a winning start to his European clay-court season at the Monte Carlo Masters.

The top seed defeated Spanish qualifier Albert Ramos-Vinolas 6-1 6-4 in round two for his 13th consecutive win, after claiming titles at Indian Wells and Miami.

The Serb was never troubled, although he dropped his serve once in the middle of the opening set.

On this day - Silver Birch wins Aintree National

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On this day in 2007, Silver Birch, trained by Gordon Elliott and ridden by Robbie Power, won the Grand National at Aintree.

The 33-1 shot won by three-quarters of a length with McKelvey (12-1) second and Slim Pickings (33-1) in third.

It was Elliott's first runner in the race and only a second ride for Power.

Swimmers ready for opening night of finals

Nick Hope

BBC Olympic sports reporter

PA

Commonwealth gold medallists Ross Murdoch, Adam Peaty, Francesca Halsall, Siobhan-Marie O'Connor, Chris Walker-Hebborn and James Guy all chase World Championship qualification berths on the opening night of the British Swimming Championships.

The qualification standard is incredibly tough across the board though and I'm anticipating we're going to see more than a few big names miss their targets this week at the London Aquatics Centre.

Olympic silver medallist Michael Jamieson looked the most under threat in the morning heats - he has a big point to prove tonight after a difficult 12 months.

Wenger surprised at winning run

PA

Arsenal's eight-match winning streak in the Premier League has taken even manager Arsene Wenger by surprise.

"I always hope to get the best out of my team, but no manager in the world if he is serious can predict a run like this," Wenger told the club website.

"In the Premier League it's very difficult to predict. It's down to the quality and the attitude of the team, the quality of the spirit we have in the side.

"We prepare and contribute to our success, that is for sure. What people forgot is that we had big players out for four months this season. Six or seven players from the squad completely out. So that made a big difference."

Hamilton in control

David Coulthard

BBC Sport

"Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Chinese Grand Prix only heightened the impression that he is in complete control of the Formula 1 season at this early stage.

"He was in a league of his own - even if in the end he beat team-mate Nico Rosberg to pole by only 0.04 seconds - and aced every aspect of the weekend.

"It is quite possible that Hamilton's performance level is what is really behind the outburst from Rosberg after the race, when he accused his team-mate of trying to back him into the Ferraris."

Read more from David Coulthard here.

Champions Yorkshire thrash Worcestershire

BBC Radio Leeds' Dave Callaghan at New Road: "Despite being without seven regular first-team players, champions Yorkshire pulled off a remarkable win with a day to spare.

"Steve Patterson took 5-11 and Jack Brooks weighed in with four wickets for a total of nine in the match. Worcestershire were blown away and never recovered after being 55-6. They were eventually all out for 100 to leave just 105 to win.

"Alex Lees and Will Rhodes then cruised home and it looked as if they were batting on another wicket as the victory was achieved with such ease.

"For the record, Lees finished 52 not out and Rhodes was unbeaten on 43 as Yorkshire won by 10 wickets and gained 22 points in the process."

Where's Mario?

PA

Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has not figured for the Reds since coming on as a substitute in the loss to Manchester United on 22 March.

The controversial 24-year-old Italian was not in the squad which beat Newcastle on Monday and Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers said after the win: "Mario is still ill.

"He was not quite fit enough (to face Newcastle). He has had on and off sickness issues."

Cricket

BBC Sport's Elizabeth Ammon at Taunton: "Durham are advancing steadily towards victory here at a sun-basked Taunton.

"It was captain Paul Collingwood who wrapped up the Somerset innings for 230 - a lead of 149. Peter Trego had put up a strong fight despite Somerset's dire situation in an impressive innings of 79.

"Durham's chase began comfortably putting on 53 but some fierce fast bowling from Overton backed up by the spin of Rehman brought about two quick wickets as Durham lost both their openers in consecutive overs.

"Scott Borthwick and Michael Richardson, who had an 144-run partnership in the first innings, have picked up the reins of the chase and have moved Durham to within 69 runs of victory."

West Indies v England - day two

England resumed on 341-5 and have just been bowled out for 399.

Follow live text commentary here.

Get involved

We've been asking which sporting legend you would want back at their peak and why?

Let us know via Twitter using #bbcsportsday and via the BBC Sport Facebook page. Here are some of your replies...

David Priestley: The only player who made Bobby Charlton feel inferior. Duncan Edwards.

KirrubanKrishnarajah: Borg & McEnroe, a rivalry before I was born. Intrigued to see how good they would be with modern day equipment vs Federer, Nadal & Djokovic.

Matthew Rouhani: Paolo Maldini so I could watch his effortless slide tackles or Van Basten so I could see his technically brilliant goals.

Cricket

BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Bob Hunt at Wantage Road:"Loose bowling, dropped catches and sensible batting during the afternoon have seemingly put the match out of Gloucestershire's reach.

"After beginning watchfully, Josh Cobb and Rob Keogh accelerated during the afternoon, putting on 111 for the sixth wicket, and it was a surprise when Cobb fell to Kieran Noema-Barnett for 58.

"It was equally surprising when Keogh, earlier dropped by Hamish Marshall at first slip, became Chris Dent's third first-class victim; the part-time left-armer trapping him leg before for 81.

"Northants were 296-7 at tea, leading by 333."

Hants need record total to beat Sussex

BBC Sussex's Adrian Hams at the Ageas Bowl: "Having decided not to enforce the follow-on, Sussex have been bowled out for 164 with Luke Wright making 61 and James Tomlinson taking 4-37.

"Hampshire need 378 to win in 135 overs which would be the highest run chase at the Ageas Bowl."

Leicestershire avoid follow-on

BBC Radio Wales' Nick Webb at Grace Road: "Ned Eckersley equalled his career best of 147 as Leicestershire comfortably avoided the possibility of having to follow on against Glamorgan, reaching 399-6 at tea.

"The home side were eight runs short of maximum batting points despite the efforts of Niall O'Brien, who was 49 not out at the interval.

"Eckersley was one of two batsmen caught at second slip by Dean Cosker off Craig Meschede in the space of three balls, Tom Wells falling the same way for nought.

"Cosker took the other wicket, bowling Neil Pinner for four just after lunch, as Glamorgan's bowlers plugged away gamely on a batsmen-friendly strip."

Yorkshire wrap up win over Worcestershire

It looked pretty even at New Road at the start of the day, but Yorkshire have shown why they're county champions by wrapping up a 10-wicket victory over promoted Worcestershire before tea on the third day.

Steven Patterson took 5-11 and Jack Brooks 4-28 as the home side were bowled out for just 100 in their second innings.

Captain Alex Lees then led the way with 52 not out as Yorkshire reached their target of 105 in just 17 overs.

On this day - Scott celebrates Masters success

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On this day in 2013, Adam Scott created his own piece of golfing history.

The 32-year-old became the first Australian to win the Masters following a play-off against former winner Angel Cabrera.

Scott was successful with a 15ft birdie putt on the second extra hole as the light faded across Augusta for his first Major win.

Notts to set Middlesex huge target

BBC Radio Nottingham's Dave Bracegirdle at Lord's: "Nottinghamshire have reached tea on 329-7 on the third day of their match with Middlesex at Lord's and hold an overall lead of 446.

"James Taylor made 61, Chris Read is unbeaten on 48 and Alex Hales, Samit Patel and Riki Wessels all passed 30 as Notts look to put a victory target totally out of Middlesex's reach.

"The surface is just starting to play one or two tricks, so Read may fancy that he doesn't need the full four sessions to bowl out the hosts as he weighs up when to announce the declaration."

Saints sign Howard

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Northampton Saints have signed South African centre Pat Howard from Western Province for next season.

The 23-year-old, who won the Junior World Championship with South Africa in 2012, spent three months with Munster earlier this campaign, appearing in both the Pro 12 and European Champions Cup.

Get involved

We've been asking which sporting legend you would want back at their peak and why?

Let us know via Twitter using #bbcsportsday and via the BBC Sport Facebook page. Here are some of your replies...

Obbby: Fred Perry. Love to see a match up between our two most recent Wimbledon Men champs.

Richard Nuttall: Would love to see Seve Ballesteros in his prime. An absolute joy to watch, a master of the game.

Anchorians: I would bring back Jack Nicklaus at his peak for his genius and sportsmanship on and off the course. What a role model.

Oldham targets Montpellier medal

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Sam Oldham wants to challenge for medals in his first international competition since suffering a serious ankle injury at the Commonwealth Games.

The 22-year-old returns to the Great Britain team for this week's European Championships after dislocating an ankle and rupturing ligaments in July.

"It was an incredibly serious injury and I'm so far ahead of where I should be," Oldham told BBC Sport. "If I make the all-around final I'll be trying to make that podium."

Read more here.

French Open increases prize money

Prize money at the French Open has been increased to more than 28m euros (£20.2m), with the singles champions each receiving 1.8m euros (£1.29m).

That is 150,000 euros more than last year's champions Rafael Nadal and Maria Sharapova earned and an overall increase of three million euros.

The biggest increases have come for those losing in the early rounds. Players beaten in the second and third rounds, and the quarter-finals, will win 20% more prize money than in 2014.

The French Open remains the least financially rewarding of the grand slams to the players.

Keown backs Benteke to stay

Reuters

Former Aston Villa defender Martin Keown believes the Midlands side could manage to hold on to striker Christian Benteke thanks to current boss Tim Sherwood.

Benteke has eight goals in eight games under Sherwood and Keown says: "He must feel he has won the lottery because he has a manager who generates everything to him.

"It's a nice position for the club if they are fending off offers for him but they will face that situation if it arises. But Fabian Delph was persuaded to stay when everyone thought he was leaving.

"Villa are a big club with an ambitious manager and he is banging the drum and the players are following him. Benteke would not want to run away from that."

Kilty challenges Arsenal duo to race

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Great Britain's world and European indoor 60m champion Richard Kilty is willing to bet £30,000 he would beat Arsenal pair Hector Bellerin and Theo Walcott in a sprint race.

"Media claiming Hector Bellerin can run 4.42 seconds over 40m. Absolutely no way. Are these journalists complete morons!," says Kilty.

"I will put £30,000 on the line to race Hector Bellerin & Theo Walcott any sprint distance, any time, any place, anywhere.

"The race will be over very quick. So if they put their money down I will gladly show everyone they cannot sprint as fast as the media claim."

GB earn win over Estonia

Nottingham Panthers forward Robert Farmer netted a late game-winning goal as Great Britain beat Estonia 2-1 in their World Championship Division 1B encounter in the Netherlands.

After Monday's dramatic 3-2 overtime victory over Croatia, Peter Russell's men made it two wins in a row.

Estonia squandered a chance to take the lead when Robert Rooba missed his penalty shot, with Belfast Giants defenceman David Phillips making him pay by giving GB the lead.

Rooba, though, made amends when he tied the game up before Farmer poked the puck in following a goalmouth scramble to win it for Britain.

West Indies v England day two

Reuters

The second day of the first Test between West Indies and England at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua is set to start at 15:00 BST.

England will resume on 341-5 with Ben Stokes and James Tredwell at the crease.

Follow live text commentary here.

Gnabry closes in on return

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Arsenal midfielder Serge Gnabry says he is over the knee injury which has kept him out since March 2014.

The Germany Under-21 international played for Arsenal's development squad as they lost 1-0 to Reading on Monday.

"I am feeling good, I'm feeling better and better," says 19-year-old Gnabry.

"It is my second 90 minutes (in the space of a week), I am playing and over my injury so it is all good and I am looking forward to the next game."

'Bayern stronger unit'

Reuters

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller says the club's injury crisis has made the team stronger as a unit.

The German outfit are without Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery, Bastian Schweinsteiger and David Alaba among others for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final in Porto on Wednesday.

"For the (recent) games against Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen we had two matches where we played with a decimated squad and with few options," says Muller.

"In those games we came closer together as a group, as a unit, and that will obviously help us against Porto."

Championship will be close - Chopra

Warwickshire captain Varun Chopra believes that this season's County Championship title race could once again prove a close-run thing.

Only twice in the 15 years since the Championship was split into two divisions in 2000 has the title outcome proved a one-horse race.

"It's going to be close again," Chopra said, ahead of the Bears' opener at home to promoted Hampshire on Sunday.

"I think the standard in Division One will be even higher," he told BBC WM.

Get involved

We've been asking which sporting legend you would want back at their peak and why?

Let us know via Twitter using #bbcsportsday and via the BBC Sport Facebook page. Here are some of your replies...

John Hunter: Definitely Senna and Prost in their prime in modern F1 would be electric!!

Vaughan Try: Bring back Sir Geoff Boycott to show the boys how to block. Would love to see how he plays Mitchell Johnson & Mitchell Starc too.

Joeypine: ‏As a blue, Georgi Kinkladze. Often discussed in the same breath as Silva. Would've loved to have witnessed him in the flesh.

World Championship qualifying

It is the final round of qualifying as the remaining 32 players battle it out to claim the 16 spots in the main draw at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

In the all Welsh clash, Ryan Day is in prime position to advance, leading fellow countryman Jak Jones 5-2, while 1997 champion Ken Doherty is 5-1 down to Mark Davis.

Jamie Jones, Mark King and Alan McManus all lead in their best-of-19 matches.

Rooney praise for Fellaini

Reuters

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney believes team-mate Marouane Fellaini is the best on the planet when it comes to relieving pressure and turning defence into attack.

"We like to play out from the back and if teams are pressing us then we have him as an option," says Rooney.

"He is probably the best in world football at bringing the ball down and getting us out of that pressure and further up the pitch."

He added: "Last year was awful for him but in fairness he kept his head down, worked hard and came through that tough period."

Edwards receives CBE

PA

England women's cricket captain Charlotte Edwards has been at Windsor Castle to be presented with her CBE by the Queen.

Edwards was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours list last June for her services to cricket.

Ancelotti support for Bale

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Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale may have played a big part in his side's Champions League success last season and, despite enduring a tough campaign this time around, appears to have the faith of manager Carlo Ancelotti.

"I have the good fortune to be able to count on everyone for such an important game," said the Real boss before tonight's Champions League quarter-final, first leg at rivals Atletico Madrid.

"Bale had a fantastic season last term and scored in both finals. We hope to play more finals over the coming months and he will be important, like last year.

"We have to use our individual quality and all our weapons to play a game with speed and pace in attack."

Loose batting costs Northants

BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Gloucestershire's Bob Hunt at Wantage Road: "Thanks to some loose Northants batting this match is tantalisingly poised with the home side reaching lunch on 138-5, a lead of 175 over Gloucestershire with five second-innings wickets remaining.

"Rob Newton cut James Fuller to point, and Alex Wakeley and Adam Rossington followed soon after as Northants tottered on 110-5. An obdurate stand is in place between Josh Cobb and Rob Keogh, but that should have been strangled early on but Chris Dent put down a simple chance at second slip when Cobb had made two."

Yorkshire take control against Worcs

BBC Radio Leeds' Dave Callaghan at New Road: "Despite being without seven key first-team players, Yorkshire have taken a firm grip on the third day at New Road.

"They were just four in arrears after the first innings, and the pace attack then ripped into the Worcestershire line-up.

"At lunch the home side are 55-6 as Yorkshire produced some splendid deliveries backed up by superb catching. England 's Moeen Ali went for four as Jack Brooks took three wickets, Steve Patterson two and Tim Bresnan one.

"So Yorkshire on top and Worcestershire with a mountain to climb if they are to avoid an opening defeat."

Get involved

We've been asking which sporting legend you would want back at their peak and why?

Let us know via Twitter using #bbcsportsday and via the BBC Sport Facebook page. Here are some of your replies...

James O'Hara: Would love to see stephen hendry back on the table what a legend he was.

Grant McGrath: Has to be Michael Schumacher, never again will we see excellence, precision and competitiveness like it in an F1 car!

Aaron Chaim: I'D LOVE IT if Kevin Keegan returned as Newcaastle manager and built another entertainers team.

Trego and Rehman deny Durham

BBC Somerset's Anthony Gibson at Taunton: "At 96-8, with Somerset just 15 ahead, it looked as if this might be all over by lunchtime.

"But a defiant Peter Trego had other ideas and, with solid support from Abdur Rehman, the pair of them saw Somerset safely through to the end of the session on 168-8, having added 72 together.

"It probably won't be a match-saving partnership, but it has at least been face-saving, after a rampant Chris Rushworth had doubled his overnight tally of wickets, with 6-68. Durham are still nailed-on favourites, but Somerset - and Trego especially, unbeaten on 65 - are at least putting up a fight."

Jamieson struggles in London

Nick Hope

BBC Olympic sports reporter

PA

The big talking point from the opening morning of the British Championships in London concerns the form of 2012 Olympic silver medallist Michael Jamieson.

2014 was a tough year for the Scottish swimmer after the pre-Commonwealth Games favourite was beaten to Glasgow gold by team-mate Ross Murdoch.

Jamieson has qualified for tonight's 200m breaststroke final, but only with the seventh quickest time and he is some four seconds short of the World Championship qualification mark - so could miss out on selection."

Eckersley ton gives Leics hope

BBC Radio Wales's Nick Webb at Grace Road:"Ned Eckersley led Leicestershire's progress to the verge of a third batting point on the third morning against Glamorgan as the Foxes reached 296-3, now just 217 runs behind, with Eckersley unbeaten on 119.

"But Glamorgan earned a vital breakthrough just a few minutes before the interval when their former favourite Mark Cosgrove lost his middle stump driving at David Lloyd on 33.

"Angus Robson was the only other wicket of the morning session, bowled by Craig Meschede on 83, adding just one to his overnight score.

"But the batsmen's paradise of Grace Road means more hard yards for the bowlers if there's to be any chance of a positive result."

Notts build lead over Middlesex

BBC Radio Nottingham's Dave Bracegirdle at Lord's: "Under clear blue skies Nottinghamshire continued to press home their advantage on the third morning against Middlesex at Lord's.

"Nightwatchman Will Gidman made 18 before edging Adam Voges to slip and Alex Hales feathered Tim Murtagh behind for 37 but the visitors remain on course towards a commanding lead, with Samit Patel and James Taylor finding their touch towards the end of the session.

"At lunch Notts are 187-4, an overall lead of 304 with a declaration likely some time around tea."

You can listen to commentary of the afternoon and evening sessions via the BBC Sport website and BBC Sport app on desktop, mobile and tablet.

Sussex extend lead over Hampshire

BBC Radio Solent's Kevan James at the Ageas Bowl: "Lots of talk about whether Sussex should have enforced the follow-on when they picked up the one wicket they needed this morning to give them a lead of 213 runs on the first innings.

"But even though they have lost four wickets to reach the break at 66-4, they still lead Hampshire by 279 runs. Even if this afternoon doesn't quite go to plan for them they will still be a long way ahead."

Stoke start talks over Wass

AFP

The Daily Mail reports that Stoke City have opened talks over a possible summer deal for Evian's Daniel Wass who can play at right back, left back or on either wing.

The 25-year-old Denmark international is available for around £3.5m and has been watched by Chelsea, Liverpool and Newcastle over the past year.

Get involved

We've been asking this morning which sporting legend you would want back at their peak and why?

Let us know via Twitter using #bbcsportsday and via the BBC Sport Facebook page. Here are some of your replies...

John McEnerney: Jimbo (Jimmy Connors) & McEnroe would add some spice to men's tennis which is all too buddy buddy these days!

Jiire: Roger Federer. Never thought I'd miss seeing those smooth backhands winning titles.

Ashray Bhamidipati: I would like to see Alastair Cook back at his best so that England can win more often in the future.

'Man Utd can win title'

Reuters

Eric Cantona says Manchester United's derby win over Manchester City proves they are capable of winning the Premier League title next season.

United beat City 4-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday to consolidate their third place in the Premier League table.

"Now they are the kings of the city," said Cantona, who helped United win four titles between 1992 and 1997.

"Sometimes you have a season when you lose games and you finish fourth or fifth. Next year they can win."

PFA chief backing for Sterling

Getty Images

Liverpool forward Raheem Sterling's apparent inhaling of laughing gas will be "a minor blip" in a "fantastic career", says a players' union chief.

Bobby Barnes, deputy chief executive of the Professional Footballers' Association, said: "He's made a mistake and people are human.

"Nobody would condone the use of these types of substances, whether legal or otherwise, as footballers are seen as role models. But many of us look back at things we did in our teens and early 20s and wish we hadn't done them."

"I am sure this will be a minor blip on his path to a fantastic career."

Azarenka & Safarova to play in Birmingham

EPA

Former world number one and two-time Australian Open champion Victoria Azarenka and 2014 Wimbledon semi-finalist Lucie Safarova will play at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham in June.

The pair will join a field which already includes defending champion Ana Ivanovic and the in-form French Open semi-finalist, Simona Halep.

The event takes place from 15-21 June at the Edgbaston Priory Club.

A few facts

If you're chatting about Liverpool's win over Newcastle last night, here are a few facts you might want to throw into the conversation to add that bit of gravitas.

• Raheem Sterling is Liverpool's top scorer with 7 PL goals in 2014-15. By 13 April last season Suarez & Sturridge had 49 between them.
• Joe Allen became the 15th player to score for Liverpool in the Premier League this season. Only in 1992-93 have they had more (16).
• Since Boxing Day, Liverpool have taken 35 points from 15 PL games, 13 more than Manchester City.
• Newcastle have lost their last five games.

Young players 'lack social skills'

Some young players lack the social skills to communicate well, according to Barnsley manager Lee Johnson.

Former Oldham boss Johnson, who took over at Oakwell in March, has a squad with an average age of just under 23.

He told BBC Radio Sheffield: "It's a real problem, not just in football but society, people seem to lack the social skills to express themselves.

"That's why the Championship is full of 27 to 32-year-olds who can dig somebody out to get the best from them."

Bell eases Antigua demons

Reuters

England batsman Ian Bell scored 143 to help rescue his side from 34-3 on the first day of the opening Test against West Indies in Antigua.

Bell was axed on the 2009 West Indian tour, paying the price for his part in England's 51 all out in Jamaica, and Antigua was his first game on the sidelines.

"To come back here and score a hundred in the place I got dropped is a nice feeling. It's quite satisfying to put that one right," he said.

"It's been at the back of my mind for a while. Coming here to Antigua, this was where I got dropped after our shemozzle in Jamaica, so I was determined to come out and make it count.

"I had to work very hard to get back into the team after that tour, so it meant a lot to me."

Connacht's McFarland to join Glasgow

Connacht assistant coach Dan McFarland will switch to Pro12 rivals Glasgow Warriors in the summer.

The former Ireland Wolfhounds coach, 43, succeeds Shade Munro as forwards coach with the Scotstoun outfit.

Warriors head coach Gregor Townsend said: "Dan has done a fantastic job at Connacht over the last nine years and is a high-quality technical coach.

"He has an excellent reputation. It's great news that he's joining us and I'm sure he will be an excellent addition."

Sturrock keen to assess Yeovil squad

New Yeovil boss Paul Sturrock plans to take time to assess the strength of his squad following their relegation from League One.

The 58-year-old was appointed last week and saw Saturday's 1-1 draw with Notts County confirm their fate.

"The quicker I know which ones don't want to jump off the sinking ship, and which ones I don't think I need for next season, the better," he told BBC Somerset.

Flower ready for Wigan return

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Ben Flower has been urged by coach Shaun Wane to "carry on from where he left off" when he resumes his career for Wigan in Thursday's Super League derby with Warrington.

The 28-year-old Welsh international forward has completed his six-month ban for twice punching Lance Hohaia in the opening moments of October's Grand-Final at Old Trafford, and is set to start from the bench against the Wolves.

"He's one of the best front rowers in the competition and that's we want. We need a Ben Flower in our team. He's dynamic, just what I like, he runs the ball hard and he's uncompromising. He's perfect for me," said Wane.

"I'll be telling him to go as hard as he can, run as hard as you can, hit as hard as you can and just carry on from where you left off because bear in mind in the play-off games last year he was one of the best. I want him back to that form as quickly as possible."

Get involved

We've been asking this morning which sporting legend you would want back at their peak and why?

Let us know via Twitter using #bbcsportsday and via the BBC Sport Facebook page. Here are some of your replies...

Ross McKenzie: I'd like to see George Best back at his prime. Never made a major international tournament and I wasn't born when he played!

Andy: It has to be Pele to see how Messi and Ronaldo measure up.

Peter Blair: Tiger Woods was phenomenal when I was growing up. I would love to see him back at his peak for nostalgia's sake, if anything.

Middlesex replace Voges with Burns

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Middlesex have signed Australian Joe Burns as their overseas player for June-July.

Australia's Adam Voges was to be their captain and overseas player for the whole season but was called up for the Ashes Tour. He will leave after the first month of the season.

Rodgers holds out top four hope

EPA

It wasn't that long ago that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers was all-but writing off his side's chances of finishing in the top four.

But he now believes Manchester City's struggles have "opened the door" to the Reds' hopes of Champions League qualification as Monday's 2-0 home win over Newcastle moved Rodgers's men four points off City with six games to go.

"We feel we have every chance," he said. "Of course, we're looking for other teams to slip up. I am sure there will be plenty of twists and turns to come."

"We're going to fight until the very end. As we saw last year there can be a lot of changes."

Young player of the year shortlist

The Football League has announced its three-man shortlist for the Young Player of the Year award.

This nominees for this year's award, which covers players in all three Football League divisions, are Dele Alli (Milton Keynes Dons), Patrick Bamford (Middlesbrough) and Nathan Redmond (Norwich City).

The winner will be announced on Sunday at the 10th annual Football League Awards.

Previous Winners:

2014: Will Hughes (Derby County)

2013: Thomas Ince (Blackpool)

2012: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)

2011: Connor Wickham (Ipswich Town)

2010: Nathaniel Clyne (Crystal Palace)

2009: Fabian Delph (Leeds United)

2008: Michael Kightly (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

2007: Gareth Bale (Southampton)

'I'm mentally stronger'

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Lewis Hamilton believes he has the psychological upper hand on Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg in their title battle this season.

Second-placed Rosberg felt race winner Hamilton was driving unnecessarily slowly, backing him up into the chasing Ferrari of Sebastian Vettel. during the Chinese Grand Prix.

"I've always said he is really strong mentally," Hamilton said. "But I'd like to think I'm stronger this year."

He added: "If I'd been second, with lots of pace, I'd have been pushing to get past, but Nico didn't."

'People want to be here when they win'

BBC News spent the day behind the scenes at Leicestershire County Cricket Club, who have not won a championship match for two and a half seasons, and found the Foxes are desperate to preserve their first class status.

Watch the video here.

Ennis-Hill to race at London Diamond League event

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Olympic heptathlon champion Jessica Ennis-Hill will return to Diamond League action at London's Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park on 24-25 July.

The 29-year-old missed the 2014 season after giving birth to her first child and is looking forward to testing herself ahead of an important summer and her long term goal of the Rio Olympic Games in 2016.

"Diamond League meetings always have the best athletes in the world so I'm sure this will be a good test for me," she said.

"I want to perform well being back on the big stage in London but I will be realistic as 2015 is about the challenge of getting back to competitive shape after having my little boy and ultimately making the necessary progression to be at my best for Rio."

Sport's young stars

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Jordan Spieth won the Masters aged just 21 and BBC Newsbeat has been having a look at some of the greatest young superstars in the history of sport.

Boris Becker and Martina Hingis are two of the names on the list but who else has been included?

Cricket

In Division Two, Leicestershire, without a Championship win for two years, are showing commendable spirit against Glamorgan and will resume their first innings on 202-1 in reply to the Welsh county's mammoth 513-9.

Angus Robson (82no) and Ned Eckersley (81no) are both within sight of centuries for the Foxes.

And at Northampton, Northants will be looking to build their lead on the third morning after closing on 68-2 in their second innings, 105 ahead.

Cricket

So, where are we after two days of the new County Championship season?

Well, Durham are on top at Somerset in Division One, with the hosts set to resume on 54-4 in their second innings, still 27 behind, after Paul Collingwood's unbeaten 109 gave the visitors a first-innings lead.

Nottinghamshire are also in charge at Lord's and will start day three on 101-2 in their second innings, a lead of 218 over Middlesex.

Hampshire have plenty to do to avoid the follow-on after closing on 220-9 in reply to Sussex's 444.

But it's pretty even at New Road where champions Yorkshire are 298-9, trailing Worcestershire by 13 runs.

Get Involved

We've been asking this morning which sporting legend you would want back at their peak and why?

Here are some of the best from the BBC Sport Facebook page.

Michał Kozioł: Pele. Imagine him as a teenager in the modern world. All the hype and everything. Messi and Ronaldo would never come near him.

Jonathan Cooper: Never saw him... but would love to see Don Bradman just to see how he is 40 runs better than the next great.

Mark Jacko Jackson: Love to see what Senna would do at his peak in a modern F1 car; for GAA then I'd be impressed at Christy Ring playing now with safety gear etc. Would that impede his creative spark maybe? Who wouldn't like to see Bradman now?!?

Martin Cantona Bond: Mike Tyson and Ali. I'd love to see them fight each other at the peak of their powers to find out who would really win!

County Championship - day three

It's day three of the opening round of County Championship games from 10:30 BST and a reminder that you can hear ball-by-ball commentary of every match on the BBC Sport website and via the BBC Sport app.

The BBC Sport app is also the place to go if you want to get your county's results as they happen or know when a key wicket has fallen. You can now get automated alerts with alerts also available for football clubs, international teams and Formula 1.

Duggan apologises for Van Gaal photo

Empics

Manchester City and England striker Toni Duggan has apologised for an "error of judgement" after posing for a photograph with Manchester United manager Louis van Gaal.

The 23-year-old deleted the photo from her Instagram page after receiving criticism from City fans.

"I appreciate the significance of my actions and assure everyone connected with City that I am proud to represent the club," she said in a Facebook post.

Campbell-Ryce to undergo knee scan

Notts County winger Jamal Campbell-Ryce may have to play on despite undergoing a scan on a suspected medial ligament injury in his knee.

County are one point from safety in League One with five games to play.

"Maybe players have to play with broken knees or broken ankles, I don't care," manager Ricardo Moniz told BBC Radio Nottingham.

Donald confirms Proteas departure

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Allan Donald has confirmed he is to step down as South Africa bowling coach.

The 48-year-old former Test paceman has been part of the coaching team since 2011.

"I have had some time to reflect after the World Cup and have come to the conclusion that the time is right to move on," he said.

"The last four years have been the best of my life, and being involved with the Proteas in the 2015 Cricket World Cup was a goal I had set my sights on."

Davis and White fail in Worlds bid

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Steve Davis and Jimmy White have failed in their bid to qualify for the World Snooker Championship.

Six-time world champion Davis lost 10-1 to Kurt Maflin. The 57-year-old trailed 8-1 after a one-sided morning session in Monday's second qualifying round and could not fight back at Ponds Forge.

Jimmy White, 52, who lost six World finals, also failed to qualify, losing 10-8 to Matthew Selt, despite being 7-2 up.

Former world champion Ken Doherty did progress, beating Lee Walker 10-6. The Irishman will play Mark Davies next.

Swimmers prepare for Championships

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The British Swimming Championships get underway at 10:00 BST at the London Aquatics Centre.

The event doubles up as the trials for this summer's World Championships in Russia and will feature the likes of Hannah Miley, Adam Peaty and Ross Murdoch.

No news on Tomkins

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There has been plenty of speculation about the future of Sam Tomkins and a possible return to the Super League for the England full-back with Wigan Warriors.

But at his news conference ahead of Thursday's game against Warrington Wolves, coach Shaun Wane has confirmed he has no transfer news to report but reaffirmed that Wigan are always interested in world class players.

Race for the Premier League

The Championship is providing one of the tightest and most exciting races for promotion into the Premier League in recent history.

The top four are separated by just two points, there's six points between fourth and fifth and just one point between those chasing a play-off place in fifth and eighth. It doesn't take a maths genius to work out it's close, very close.

Tonight, seven of the top eight are in action as Bournemouth, Norwich, Middlesbrough, Derby, Ipswich, Brentford and Wolves take to the field. Watford play on Wednesday.

Champions League

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Who will be the key men in the Madrid derby? Antoine Griezmann has scored 21 times for Atletico this season.

Gareth Bale scored a crucial second goal on the way to Real Madrid beating Atletico Madrid in the final of last season's Champions League final.

However, since then Atletico have had the upper hand over their rivals and are undefeated in six games against them this season, winning four. Atletico have knocked their city rivals out of this season's Super Cup, the King's Cup and defeated them in both La Liga clashes.

However, BBC Sport's Spanish football writer Andy West says bookmakers give Atletico approximately a 30% chance of success.

Click here to read why he thinks that is an underestimation and how Atletico can pull off a shock.

Champions League

There is no British involvement remaining in the Champions League but that doesn't mean that the competition is over.

Europe's top tournament is back in action with two quarter-final first-legs tonight which will make football purists purr.

In a repeat of last year's final, Atletico Madrid host fierce derby rivals Real Madrid, while the Old Lady of Juventus faces Arsenal's French conquerors Monaco.

Get involved

On the back of Tiger Woods's performance at the Masters and snooker greats Steve Davis and Jimmy White failing to qualify for the World Snooker Championship, we're asking which sporting legend you would want back at their peak and why?

Let us know via Twitter using #bbcsportsday and via the BBC Sport Facebook page. Here are some of your replies...

Jonny Abbott: Is it to early to say Steven Gerrard to Liverpool? (Written with a sad face).

Haris Hameed: I would like to see Federer win a few more grand slams. He obviously is still good but not winning enough tournaments.

Shallow Mal: Muhammad Ali...!!! Without doubt, the greatest & most inspirational sportsman ever. Never again will we see the like.

Should Man City keep Pellegrini?

Talking about Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini (we don't just make this up as we go along you know) you can find out what former City players and pundits think about the situation at the club.

City are 12 points behind Premier League leaders Chelsea and their thoughts are more about securing a top four spot than defending their top-flight title.

Where has it gone wrong? Is it Pellegrini's fault or his players? Should City stick with the manager or find a replacement?

You can read the piece here.

What the papers say

Guardian

The future of Manchester City manager Manuel Pellegrini is taking up plenty of column inches in the newspapers and the Guardian says the club could sack the Chilean before the end of the season if a top four place and Champions League qualification is in doubt.

Gossip hit

Just like your ristretto hit in the morning, here's some football gossip to get you going.

Manchester City are prepared to offload as many as six players this summer and are looking to revitalise their squad by bringing in younger faces, including attacking midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, 22, from Wolfsburg and Juventus's 22-year-old midfielder Paul Pogba. (Daily Telegraph)

Manchester City are planning a summer move for Tottenham left-back Danny Rose, 24, with Aleksandar Kolarov, 29, being lined up for a move to Roma or Inter Milan. (Daily Mirror)

Manchester United have become favourites to sign striker Danny Ings, 22, after holding talks with Burnley about a summer transfer. (Daily Mail)

Click here to read more.

What the papers says

The Times

The Times back page has a hint of Liverpool's win over Newcastle and Jordan Spieth's win at the Masters but its main focus is Ian Bell's heroics for England in the West Indies.

England fight back in West Indies

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England might have been hoping the start of their Test series against the West Indies would improve their fortunes after a dismal World Cup but their return to the longer format of the game did not go as smoothly as planned.

They had the the spectre of a Kevin Pietersen century for Surrey overshadowing the first Test on Monday and fell to 34-3 with captain Alastair Cook and fellow opener Jonathan Trott falling cheaply.

But, just as ECB bosses could have been reaching for Pietersen's number, Ian Bell's century and half tons from Joe Root and Ben Stokes saw England reach 341-5 at stumps.

Get involved

Reuters

Tiger Woods showed flashes of brilliance as he made his comeback at the Masters last week but snooker greats Steve Davis and Jimmy White have failed to qualify for the World Snooker Championship.

On the back of this we want to know which sporting legend you would want back at their peak.

Let us know via Twitter using #bbcsportsday and via the BBC Sport Facebook page.

What the papers say

Daily Star

The Daily Star dominates half of its back page with the story concerning Liverpool's Raheem Sterling apparently taking laughing gas, while the other half says that ex-Reds manager Rafael Benitez, who is Napoli boss, will be a contender to take over at Manchester City if current incumbent Manuel Pellegrini gets the sack.

Laughing gas

Reuters

In the wake of Liverpool's win, manager Brendan Rodgers will speak to Raheem Sterling after the forward was pictured apparently taking nitrous oxide, which is laughing gas to you and me.

Images published by The Sun appear to show the 20-year-old England forward taking the legal substance.

"I don't think it is something you should be doing, it's as simple as that," said Rodgers.

"Young players make mistakes. As long as they learn from them, that is what is important."

Liverpool too good for Newcastle

Reuters

Let's start with last night's Premier League action. Liverpool beat Newcastle 2-0 to move fifth and four points off fourth-placed Manchester City.

In a bitesize account, the Reds took the lead through Raheem Sterling and should have added to their lead before Newcastle were denied what seemed a certain penalty.

The Magpies threatened an equaliser after the break but Joe Allen scored for Liverpool to secure their win, while the visitor's misery was compounded when Moussa Sissoko was red carded late on.

Welcome

Hello and good morning. I hope you are all set for another edition of Sportsday as there is plenty going on. We've got the latest from the Premier League, Champions League, Championship, football gossip, cricket, Formula 1, snooker and all the big stories making the news. We'll also take a look around the newspapers.

Like I say plenty, plenty, plenty. So, if you need sport as part of your staple diet then you are in the right place.