Evening Times

Drugs Just Don't Work in Game of Nerve and Verve Talking Golf Ex- European Tour Chief Ken Schofield Hits Back at Gary Player's Claims of Substance Abuse

EUROPE'S top players will all get a clean bill of health when random drug testing is introduced to world golf. That was the message today from former European Tour chief Ken Schofield in the wake of Gary Player's astonishing outburst here yesterday.

Jacquelin Relives Van de Velde Nightmare

EIGHT years after Jean Van de Velde blew The Open with a closing triple-bogey seven, another Frenchman took eight on the same hole today. Raphael Jacquelin was on the leaderboard at one-under after 17, but then sent two three-woods over the out-ofbounds fence left of the fairway.

R&a Stand by Official in Race Row

THE R&A were today forced to defend one of their senior members against accusations of racism. Graeme Brown, a member of the R&A's rules of golf committee, made several offensive remarks in a speech at the Association of Golf Writers (AGW) annual dinner.

There's a Buddy Good Reason for Ryder Win

COLIN MONTGOMERIE today dismissed fears over Nick Faldo's Ryder Cup captaincy - despite controversy over claims his players are too "chummy". Three-times Open winner Faldo suggested the reason no European has won a Major title in eight years was due to a lack of hunger.

Mcghee Needs to Be Well Pleased

MARK McGHEE has warned his Motherwell players they will have to impress him or face the exit door. The Fir Park boss got his first close look at his new squad in Austria last week when Well beat Polish side Lech Poznan 3-0 after losing 3-1 to Romanian champions Dinamo Bucharest.

'Scot Ty Knows Top-Drawer Show Is a Bairn Necessity Jags Defender Hopes Mccall Will Give Him Chance to Impress

PARTICK THISTLE defensive star Scott Boyd today revealed he is determined to fight for his place at Firhill. The 21-year-old has another twoyearstogoonthecurrent three-year deal he signed under Dick Campbell last term.

Update

BBC Scotland today secured radio rights for the Clydesdale Bank Premier League for the next three seasons. The deal struck with the SPL also includes an option to extend the deal by two further years until the end of the 2011/12 season.

Update

HEARTS assistant head coach Stephen Frail has urged fans to keep the faith following concerns over pre-season training. Skipper Craig Gordon admitted the squad lacked sharpness and called for a change in preparations after the 1-1 draw with Rot- Weis Essen in Germany.

Safe Pair of Hands Is Worth Its Weight in Goals. . . Roy Keane Seems to Know the Value of Sturdy No.1

THERE'S something about goalkeepers and their perceived worth that defies all logic. It's as though they are rated the second-hand models in a car showroom overflowing with gleaming, brand new articles.

Fuse Primed. . Now Stealth Bomber Beas Can Detonate a Title Charge Rangers On Tour with Clock Ticking On New Campaign, Damarcus Vows to Be Surprise Package

THE jet-setting lifestyle that comes with being an American international plying his trade in Europe is old hat for DaMarcus Beasley. But the Rangers winger admits that the pace of the last three weeks has left even his head in a spin and his feet hardly on the ground.

Fan Forum

SO what if Darcheville is aggressive? That's what we lacked last year. We need a real tiger snapping at the heels of other players. Bruce McDonald, Darnley.

Not the Blistering Start Kirk Was After

KIRK BROADFOOT today revealed how a blister proved a real sore point for him on Rangers' tour to Germany. The former St Mirren skipper had to sit out the first two matches after being floored by the painful problem.

Forecast Fine As Weather Gives Ton Lift

MORTON gaffer Jim McInally has described the Ton's 2-0 win over Gretna as a big boost in his side's pre-season build-up. Goals from Peter Weatherson and trialist Adam Coakley secured an impressive victory for the Greenock side in their first run out of the pre-season.

Scots to Face Sa in Euro Warm-Up

THE SFA have confirmed Scotland will play South Africa in Aberdeen on August 22 (8pm), our only preparation ahead of the crucial Euro 2008 double-header against Lithuania and France in September. The Dark Blues will play a return match in South Africa during the build-up to the next World Cup.

I Can Still Do Magic Celtic On Tour Forget About Fire in Windy City Raps a Pole Star Ready to Reignite Career with a Goal Trick or Two Celtic On Tour Forget About Fire in Windy City Raps a Pole Star Ready to Reignite Career with a Goal Trick or Two Vanishing Act Will Be Vanquished As Zura Polishes Up His Act

MACIEJ ZURAWSKI today assured Celtic fans his heart is still very much in firing home goals for the SPL champions. And the Polish striker promised them he will do all in his power to return to the form which saw him blast in 20 goals on his debut season.

It Could Be Too Long a Way From La to Denver for Becks

DAVID BECKHAM may miss his appearance at tonight's game here if it impacts on his recovery from an ankle injury. Becks is scheduled to make the five-hour round trip from LA to be introduced to a sell-out crowd.

Stevie: Usa Stars Have Never Been in Bet Ter Nic

STEVIE NICOL today claimed MLS stars - including Celtic target Shalrie Joseph - are good enough to play in Europe. But they are now beginning to realise they don't need to cross the Atlantic for riches and glories because the game Stateside is closing the gap.

Brown Happy with Hoops. . .

SCOTT BROWN doesn't care if Celtic don't sign any more players in the transfer window as he claims he would not swap the squad they already have for any other in the the SPL. He reckons they have put together one of the best in Britain, which even stands comparison to the mega-rich outfits in the Premiership.

Ready for a Raining Champion the Open 2007 Miserable Start - and Flooding Fears

OPEN golf chiefs have backed Carnoustie to cope with the worst of the Scottish weather as the first round got underway in miserable conditions today. The world-famous Angus venue has been lashed by downpours in the build-up to the 136th Championship.