Ricky gives up crown: [01A Edition]

Abstract

MOTOR RACING: Yuji Ide's driving career has hit the buffers after Formula One chiefs decided he was too dangerous to be allowed to race. The 31-year-old Japanese rookie has endured a baptism of fire at newcomers Super Aguri and was under pressure even before his calamitous San Marino Grand Prix two weeks ago. At Imola, he pushed Christijan Albers' Midland into a multiple roll after an ill-judged first-lap move, which came on the back of several spins throughout the weekend. Ide, who ran over a mechanic in Bahrain on his debut, earned a reprimand from Imola stewards and his Super Aguri team were advised to relegate him to third driver by world governing body the FIA. He will not be involved in this weekend's European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring.

Boxing: Ricky Hatton will head into next week's clash with Luis Collazo in Boston without a world title belt after relinquishing his WBA light-welterweight crown. Hatton has made the decision following an unclear order by a New York judge, in order to ensure Collazo's WBA welterweight title will be on the line in their bout on May 13. Promoter Dennis Hobson said Hatton had not taken the decision lightly and added: "Ricky has got bigger fish to fry and his immediate goal is to win the welterweight title."

Ide hits buffers

MOTOR RACING: Yuji Ide's driving career has hit the buffers after Formula One chiefs decided he was too dangerous to be allowed to race. The 31-year-old Japanese rookie has endured a baptism of fire at newcomers Super Aguri and was under pressure even before his calamitous San Marino Grand Prix two weeks ago. At Imola, he pushed Christijan Albers' Midland into a multiple roll after an ill-judged first-lap move, which came on the back of several spins throughout the weekend. Ide, who ran over a mechanic in Bahrain on his debut, earned a reprimand from Imola stewards and his Super Aguri team were advised to relegate him to third driver by world governing body the FIA. He will not be involved in this weekend's European Grand Prix at the Nurburgring.

Golden goal

HOCKEY: A golden-goal winner after the final hooter by Chloe Rogers put England into the final of the World Cup qualifying tournament in Rome after a 1-0 victory over the USA. The Chelmsford forward picked up a rebound from Crista Cullen's penalty corner drag- flick to cleverly beat two defenders and finally break the deadlock right at the end of 15 minutes of extra time. Head coach Danny Kerry said: "We thoroughly deserved the win."

Martins signs

RUGBY LEAGUE: Hull KR have signed Catalans Dragons utility player Sebastien Martins on a month's loan. The 21-year-old Martins, who made his Engage Super League debut in last month's 34-20 defeat by St Helens, is set to join the Robins today and could make his debut in Sunday's Northern Rail Cup quarter-final against Whitehaven.

Rose in bloom

GOLF: A two-under-par 70 was good enough to give Britain's Justin Rose a share of fourth place midway through the opening day of the Wachovia Championship in Charlotte, North Carolina.