FRIDAY, 12.00NOON:
SA INTERNATIONAL Gerry Baker beat Constance Steyn 25-23 at the Wanderers yesterday, making it through to the semifinals to be played this weekend. Baker said after the game it was a close shave. “Some of those shots he played should have had his name engraved on the trophy. Yes, it was getting to me. I reckon I was probably lucky in not getting too close at the death. That didn’t give him a target.”
Bruce Makkink beat Mark Cromhout 25-7, while Daron Smit beat Greg Bingham 25-24 in 24 ends. Theuns Fraser beat Graham Hobson 21-20 after an exhausting 34-ends, and then beat Mervyn Lynn 25-22. Fraser said afterwards: “And they say we play this game for fun.”
In the fours competition, Auckland Park is still charging ahead — both D and E combinations make it through to the semifinals.
MARALI IN THAI TITLE BOUT SA BOXER Mzukisi Marali will go to Thailand on Saturday to fight Saman Sorjatorung in Chiangmai next weekend, in a World Boxing Council title bout. Marali hopes to match Vic Toweel’s record of a world title in his 14th professional contest.
LAWLESS OUT AGAIN GAVIN LAWLESS, who was down to play left wing for Natal in the Super 12 semifinal on Saturday, is out of action after sustaining injuries to his ankle and Achilles tendon. He will be replaced by Shaun Payne.
TINKLER GETS TO MANCHESTER SA midfielder Eric Tinkler has been released by his Italian Serie A side, Cagliari, and will play in the match against England at Old Trafford on Saturday. Tinkler was the last player of the squad to join the team’s training camp, amid fears that he would not be released.