HYOGO, Japan (CMC):

Young Jamaican riding sensation Rajiv Maragh was unplaced in the Japan Cup on Sunday at the Hanshin racetrack as he tackled his first-ever assignment in Japan. Aboard Tizway, the lone American entry in the 16-horse field, Maragh was close to the lead early, but faded to finish 13th, while the front-running Espoir City surged to an easy win in the US$2.8 million event.

Espoir City clocked one minute, 49.90 seconds in victory over the 1-1/8th mile trip. The United States-based Maragh, who is enjoying the best year of his career, said his mount was outclassed.

Siddle remains

ADELAIDE, Australia (CMC):

Australia's selectors yesterday kept unfit pacer Peter Siddle in their 12-man squad for the third Test against West Indies at Perth starting next Wednesday, Tuesday night Caribbean time. Siddle experienced some "hamstring soreness" during the Adelaide Test and underwent a scan yesterday which produced encouraging signs. The fast bowler limped through the final days of the drawn Test and was expected to be unavailable for the decider, but the selectors avoided any changes when a scan on the injury showed no major damage.

AUSTRALIA SQUAD: Ricky Ponting (captain), Simon Katich, Shane Watson, Michael Hussey, Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Nathan Hauritz, Peter Siddle, Doug Bollinger, Clint McKay.

Gatorade drops Tiger drink

PURCHASE, New York (AP):

Gatorade is discontinuing its Tiger Woods drink, but says it made the decision before the golfer's car accident led to a media firestorm surrounding his personal life. The decision to drop the drink, called Tiger Focus, was first reported by trade publication Beverage Digest in an issue dated November 25, two days before the incident at Woods' home in Florida. The publication's editor, John Sicher, said he learned of the decision the week of November 9.

Congressman drops effort for Woods

CALIFORNIA (AP):

A California congressman says he won't continue his push to honour Tiger Woods with a Congressional Gold Medal. Joe Baca introduced legislation in March that called for the golfer to be recognised for promoting good sportsmanship and breaking down barriers in the sport.

Baca says that "in light of the recent developments surrounding Tiger Woods and his family," he won't pursue legislation this session to give him the award.

The medal is the highest award Congress has to honour civilians for achievements and contributions to society.

England, SA XI curtailed

EAST LONDON, South Africa (AP):

England opening batsman Alastair Cook showed he had recovered from a back injury by compiling 66 not out against the South African Invitation XI, yesterday. Play was limited to 36.2 overs due to rain at Buffalo Park Stadium, with players leaving the field in the 11th over after lunch with England on 142 for three wickets. The other not out batsman was Paul Collingwood, on 27.

England left out main strike bowler Jimmy Anderson to give him a couple more days to rest his suspect right knee before the first Test. He could play in the second of two two-day warm-up games, which starts tomorrow.

CSKA safe

NYON, Switzerland (AP):

UEFA says CSKA Moscow will not be kicked out of the Champions League despite two players failing post-match doping tests. UEFA said the unnamed stimulant found in samples given by defenders Sergei Ignashevich and Alexei Berezutsky after a 3-3 draw against Manchester United last month is not serious enough to impose a team punishment. The European body's rules allow a maximum penalty of a one-year ban for the players.

US coach for Anguilla

THE VALLEY, Anguilla (CMC):

Respected American track and field coach, Rana Reider, will conduct a nine-day coaching clinic for athletes and coaches here starting on December 14, a senior sports official here announced yesterday. Rollins Richardson, Programme Officer in the Sports Directorate, said the programme for the USA coach is being organised by the Anguilla Amateur Athletic Association (AAAA).

Reider, who is the personal coach of Anguilla's US-based long jump star Shara Proctor, will concentrate on warm-up sessions, general and specific, speed development, power and core strengthening, flexibility and nutrition. ReiderÕs work with Proctor, a key member of the University of the Florida track and field club, helped the 20-year-old long jumper create history, becoming the first Anguillian to reach an IAAF World Championship final.

The American coach has trained world class such as Bryan Clay, 2005 decathlon World Champion, Dwight Phillips, world class long jump champion, and Bahamian Derek Atkins, 100-metre bronze medallist at the 2007 World Championships.