The Week in Review

WIMBLEDON was not interrupted by rain for the first time in 16 years. As the temperature reached 105F on Centre Court, Pete Sampras, the No 1 seed from the United States, celebrated Independence Day and impressed with his grasp of grass- court tennis technique as he beat his fellow American, Jim Courier, 7-6

7-6, 3-6, 6-3.

In the Tour de France last year's winner, Miguel Indurain, aiming for his third consecutive Tour victory, was riding tall in the saddle after winning the opening individual time trial in the prologue at Le Puy du Fou. However, Indurain's retention of cycling's most famous yellow jersey did not last long. Wilfried Nelissen, of Belgium, 51st in this year's professional rankings, won the second stage and took over the leader's jersey. He and Italy's Mario Cipollini continued to make the early running closely shadowed by Alex Zulle, of Switzerland.

Graham Gooch dug in in the Third Test against Australia at Trent Bridge. His second-innings 120 was his 19th Test century and saw him reach 8,000 Test runs. The match ended in a draw - England's best result of the series.

In Auckland, the Lions recovery of confidence after a record defeat of the All Blacks had levelled their rugby union series was dealt a blow when they lost the deciding Test 30- 13. It was the second-heaviest defeat of the British Isles by New Zealand.

David Grindley started celebrating victory in the 400 metres at Lausanne, some 30 metres before the finishing line after leaving the rest of the field, including the world champion, Antonio Pettigrew, and the Olympic bronze medallist, Samson Kitur, trailing in his wake.