The Week in Review

SOME of the most famous names at Wimbledon found themselves having some unwanted extra time to watch the World Cup. On opening day Steffi Graf became the first defending champion to lose in the first round. Lori McNeil beat her in straight sets.

One day later Michael Stich became only the second No 2 men's seed to fall in the second round. He lost to Bryan Shelton, a qualifier.

A further day on and it is farewell to Stefan Edberg and Jim Courier, good to have you around Kenneth Carlsen and Guy Forget. Only two of the top five men remain.

If they did take time to tune in Stateside they will have seen some entertaining play but few shocks. The Republic of Ireland beat Italy 1-0 and caused the usual hysterical reaction in Italy and the usual ecstatic reaction in Ireland.

Also in the United States, the Open golf tournament went to a three-way play-off between Ernie Els, Colin Montgomery and Loren Roberts. After Els and Roberts tied after 18 holes it took the second extra hole before Els won.

A new hero emerged at Lord's where Dion Nash took 11 wickets and scored a half-century as New Zealand forced England to settle uneasily for the draw.