Kobe Bryant launched his free throw, like so many thousands upon thousands before, and held his follow through as if desperately hoping that perfect form, even with the ball gone and on its way, would will it into the hoop.

Wendy Trott is the golden girl of South Africa's swimming team after powering her way to victory in the 800m freestyle final on the opening night of the three-day Mare Nostrum gala in Canet, France, on Tuesday.

Triple Olympic champion Usain Bolt will warm up for a European campaign focused on the August World Championships by contesting the 100m at the inaugural Festival of Excellence athletics meeting on Thursday.

TEN-TIMES London Road Foundry champion Scott Mackintosh produced a superb display to beat Goldenacre's Colin Hutchison 21-7 at Leith BC and reach the Singles final of the District 11 national championships.

ANDY Murray kicks off his grasscourt season today as the No1 seed at the Aegon Championships in London, a result of the withdrawal through injury of defending champion Rafael Nadal.

THOMAS JONASSON last night effectively quit Edinburgh Scotwaste Monarchs after putting the brakes on his UK racing career.

HAVING already earned more prize money in six months, in excess of 280,000, than during any other full season since he turned professional 14 years ago, it's little wonder Dunbar's David Drysdale feels a weight has been lifted from his shoulders as he looks forward to competing against the world's best golfers this summer.

THE SFA's acting president Campbell Ogilvie believes Scottish football will withstand the impact of Setanta's anticipated demise but admits some clubs could be casualties of the crisis engulfing the broadcaster.