Carter starts chemotherapy

SNOOKER: Ali Carter says he remains “strong and positive” after undergoing his first course of chemotherapy treatment since being diagnosed with lung cancer.

The 34-year-old from Chelmsford revealed he had the condition a week ago, just a few months after he was given the all-clear following a battle against testicular cancer.

“Well that’s the first bout of the chemo done. Feeling a bit wiped out but feel strong & positive,” he wrote on Twitter yesterday.

Hansen: ‘England the most improved’

RUGBY: New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen regards Stuart Lancaster’s England as the most improved team in Test rugby and refuses to view their series opener as a foregone conclusion.

Injuries have weakened England for the toughest assignment in the game but the All Blacks are ready to face a growing force in the international arena.

“Lancaster has built depth in his side and a strong culture,” said Hansen.

Edinho jailed for drug trafficking

FOOTBALL: Pele’s son has been jailed for 33 years after being found guilty of drug trafficking and money laundering.

Edinho was jailed in 2005 for drug trafficking offences with his father insisting that he was innocent.

“God willing, justice will be done. There is not a shred of evidence against my son,” Pele said in 2006.

Edinho admits that he has a drug problem but denies trafficking.

Hape speaks out on retirement

RUGBY: Former England centre Shontayne Hape has announced his retirement from the game after sustaining repeated concussions.

The 33-year-old, who won 13 caps for England between 2010-11, suffered more than 20 concussions and was frequently knocked out.

“The specialist explained that my brain was so traumatised, had swollen so big, that even just getting a tap to the body would knock me out,” explained Hape.