Murray recovers to beat Gasquet

TENNIS: Andy Murray recovered from a break down in the final set yesterday to beat Richard Gasquet and reach the semi-finals of the Paris Masters for the first time in his career.

Murray struggled to match his French opponent in front of a partisan home crowd but eventually triumphed 7-6 (9/7) 3-6 6-3 to set up a last-four clash against either John Isner or David Ferrer.

Murray said after: “It was a tough match.”

‘Stressed’ Blatter to take a week off

FOOTBALL: Sepp Blatter was ordered by doctors yesterday to take a few days off work after having a medical evaluation for stress.

The 79-year-old, currently suspended from his role as Fifa president, consulted a doctor after feeling unwell and, although no underlying problem was discovered, he has been ordered to rest.

His personal adviser Klaus Stohlker said : “He has been told to rest for the next five days.”

Siejka on his way out of Bradford

RUGBY LEAGUE: Championship club Bradford were in the process of terminating the contract of former Wakefield scrum-half Harry Siejka yesterday.

The 23-year-old Australian joined the Bulls on a two-year contract last October and made 15 appearances in 2015.

“We wish him well and all of the best for the future,” said Bradford managing director Steve Ferres.

Root falls to third in ICC rankings

CRICKET: Joe Root slipped two places to third in the ICC Test batting rankings yesterday following England’s defeat to Pakistan in the third Test.

Root made scores of just four and six as England were beaten by 127 runs to suffer a 2-0 series defeat, allowing Australia captain Steve Smith and AB de Villiers of South Africa to climb above the Yorkshireman in the rankings.