SCOOP 72 - Sports Roundup

...............a review of 72 hours of international and domestic sport.

IN this edition: PROSTITUTES approved for Hungarian Grand Prix - Safin could become one of tennis' superstars - Athletes village unveiled - Aboriginal group plans Olympic protest at airport - US boxers as hopeful for gold as outspoken Cuba - Thai boxers may cash in - Oarsman Redgrave back in boat - Windies to lose heroes - Ockers clears of match-rigging - South Africa takes command - Sth Korea World Cup boss bails out - Arsene says Arsenal won't spend on big guns - Jerry West into sunset - Shaq, LA Lakers payback LAPD for riot-ruined cars - Julie Krone in Racing Hall of Fame - SCOOP takes a brief look at tomorrow's NPC opener between Wellington and Canterbury

Prostitutes approved for Hungarian Grand Prix: The Hungarian Grand Prix will feature roaring motors by day and squeaking beds by night with the mayor of Mogyorod agreeing to set up a red light zone packed with prostitutes serving racegoers.

Safin could become one of tennis' superstars: Following his recent win over Pete Sampras tennis observers are talking of potential greatness but the test is now on for the young Russian to back up his victory over 'Pistol Pete' with consistent success.

Athletes village unveiled: The Australian Olympic Committee unveiled the village on Wednesday for a media inspection. Athletes and officials move in from September 2 in preparation for the September 15 games.

Aboriginal group plans Olympic protest at airport: A human protest chain of aboriginal rights activists could greet Olympic visitors after permission was sought this week for an Aboriginal group to march on Sydney airport in the five days leading to the Olympiad.

US boxers has hopeful for gold as outspoken Cubans: Reacting to Cuban predictions their team would win 12 boxing golds in Sydney 19-year-old US team member and reigning 106 pound world champion Brian Viloria smiled and matched Cubano bravado saying: "We're also expecting to win 12 golds".

Thai boxers may cash in: Winning boxing gold in Sydney will mean a bonus of 10 million baht (NZ$130,000) for any successful Thai fighter.

Oarsman Redgrave back in boat: With four gold medals and two years short of his 40th birthday you'd imagine legendary English oarsman Steve Redgrave would have had his full of rowing glory. But the rower extraordinaire is obviously still hungry for success and is back on the water in training for a go at earning an unprecedented fifth successive gold.

Windies to lose heroes: Two West Indian cricketing legends Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh are nearing the end of their phenomenal careers and the West Indies team is desperate to find replacement firepower.

Ockers cleared of match-rigging: Former Pakistani cricket skipper Salim (the rat) Malik had his charges of Aussie involvement in match-fixing thrown out by Australian national cricket administrators this week.

South Africa takes command: Sth Africa took an overall 48-run lead with all second innings wickets in hand at stumps on the 3rd day of the test against Sri Lanka in Colombo.

Sth Korea World Cup boss bails out: The head of South Korea's organizing committee for the 2002 soccer world cup resigned this week admit reports of conflict.

Arsene says Arsenal won't spend on big guns: Gunners coach Arsene Wenger pledges to steer clear of high price player auctions as he bid to dethrone Manchester United as premier champions.

Jerry West into sunset: Legendary Laker player and administrator Jerry West has retired and says he is looking forward to chilling out and becoming the teams "biggest fan".

Shaq, Lakers payback LAPD for riot ruined cars: Superstar centre Shaquille O'Neal and his NBA champion basketball have each bought a car for the LAPD who had vehicles destroyed in the riotous aftermath of the Laker NBA championship victory.

Julie Krone in racing hall of fame: Brilliant jockey Julie Krone was rewarded for her outstanding career this week when she was honoured as the first ever woman to be inducted into the racing Hall of Fame.

Scoop takes a brief look at tomorrows NPC opener at WestpacTrust stadium between Canterbury and Wellington: Following a highflying 1999 when against expectations the Lions made the NPC finals 2000 is sure to be a tough year with high hopes and the predictable bitter disappointment of a Wellington rugby fan. It all starts Friday night at the stadium against arch-rivals Canterbury. The red and blacks will have four of their All Blacks to boost what is sure to be a top notch hard playing Canterbury team. The Lions have failed to impress in their pre-season outings but have talent to burn and on their game, on their home track should give the mainlanders an extremely testing night at the office. It's always hard ( and often expensive) to bet against Canterbury but if Wellington do the simple things well, maintain possession,, make the most of any opportunity, and have the ball bounce their way, they could get off to a winning start. But don't hold your breath as no matter where they play it's never a surprise to see a Canterbury rugby team singing victory songs.

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