Sport in Brief: Back injury forces Armstrong out of Tour of Ireland

Lance Armstrong made an unexpectedly low-key exit from the Tour of Ireland yesterday when he abandoned the final stage with 40km to go complaining of back pains.

After racing strongly on the first two days, the Texan pulled out in torrential rain as the race cranked up for the decisive triple ascent of St Patrick's Hill in Cork. "It wasn't a planned abandon" said the seven-times Tour de France winner. "When your back is out everything is out." The Tour was won by Yorkshireman Russell Downing.

Europe hit back to set up Solheim Cup singles showdown

Resurgent Europe outplayed holders the United States at the Solheim Cup on Saturday, ending a gripping second day at Rich Harvest Farms tied for the lead at 8-8. Having trailed by 4 points to 3 overnight, the Europeans dominated the morning fourball matches before splitting the afternoon foursomes encounters to leave the biennial team competition delicately balanced. They are well aware, though, their hosts have won five of the last seven Solheim Cups despite having led only once going into the singles.

Murray vows to help in the fight against Davis Cup relegation

Andy Murray has pledged his commitment to Britain's Davis Cup team ahead of next month's crucial tie against Poland. Should Britain lose the three-day match, which starts on 18 September in Liverpool, they will be relegated to Group Two of the Euro/Africa Zone, which includes the minnows Monaco, Lithuania and Ireland. Murray said: "I always want to play Davis Cup ... and if I feel fresh and 100 per cent fit I will be there and try to help the team because we're not in the best position right now."

Britain make strong start as seven crews reach world semis

Five winners among seven crews who qualified for semi-finals gave Britain a flying start at the world championships in Poznan, Poland yesterday.

The women's double scullers (Annie Vernon and Anna Bebington) joined the men's pair (Peter Reed and Andy Hodge), double (Matt Wells and Stephen Rowbotham), men's four and the sculler Alan Campbell in coming first. The sculler Katherine Grainger and the women's pair (Olivia Whitlam and Louisa Reeve) also qualified with second places. Christopher Dodd