Sports News 12:30

BULLETIN SPORTS NEWS 19 April 12:30 pm

Good day, let’s look at the latest sports news and scores:

# We start with rugby: An independent disciplinary committee has dismissed a citing complaint against Bulls flanker Cameron Hanekom, making him available for tomorrow’s United Rugby Championship clash against Munster in Pretoria. He was cited after being yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle on inside centre Fraser Dingwall during a defeat by the Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup quarterfinals last week. The committee dismissed the complaint, agreeing that Hanekom had committed an act of foul play but that a red card was not warranted.

Meanwhile, former Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber is back in South Africa with Leinster, for tomorrow’s URC game against the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The Irish giants are on top of the URC log and will also play in the semifinals of the Champions Cup. Leinster head coach, Leo Cullen, has praised Nienaber’s influence:

# Golf: American JT Poston shot an eight-under-par 63 to take a two-shot lead over compatriot Collin Morikawa and Seamus Power of Ireland after the first round of the PGA Tour’s RBC Heritage tournament in the United States. World number one and Masters champion, Scottie Scheffler of the US, recovered from a shaky start to card a two-under 69. World number two Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland sits four strokes off Poston after making a four-under 67 with an eagle on the fifth.

# Motorsport: British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton says he wants to emulate his old rival Fernando Alonso and race well into his forties. The Spaniard just signed a deal with Aston Martin that will see him racing until at least 2026, when he will be 45. Thirty-nine-year-old Hamilton will join Ferrari next season on an initial two-year contract. He says Alonso, who he regards as one of the best drivers, had shown what was possible and what the human body can achieve if it is nurtured.

# And finally, Tennis: Defending champion Iga Swiatek of Poland will face Britain’s Emma Raducanu in the quarterfinals of the Stuttgart Open. Swiatek defeated Belgium’s Elise Mertens 6-3, 6-4 to reach the quarterfinals for the third straight year. Raducanu beat Czech teenager Linda Noskova 6-love, 7-5. Italy’s Jasmine Paolini stunned Tunisian seventh seed Ons Jabeur in straight sets. Raducanu, who had an injury-hit season last year, says she is happy to be playing well again:

Stay tuned for more news………….