The Sport Matrix: Friday 12 April 2013

Lynn impresses while Donaldson hits hole-in-one

David Lynn impressed by hitting a composed 68 on the opening day of the Masters. Lynn, right was walking off the ninth when his caddie informed him he was leading the Masters. “He just looked at me and smiled. I said: ‘I’d rather be leading it Sunday afternoon.’ It’s obviously not a bad thing to see your name up there leading the Masters and something you could always look back on. But there’s a lot to be done for the rest of the week and hopefully I can keep my name up there.”

Jamie Donaldson, meanwhile, dazzled onlookers by striking a hole-in-one on debut. His ace at the sixth eased the discomfort of an opening bogey. World No 1 Tiger Woods, the four-time champion, shot two-under round of 70. Lee Westwood hit two-under-par 70 and said: “It’s a good first round, I played solidly.”

Westwood added: “The double-bogey wasn’t the ideal start, but I did manage one in the US Open last year, that sprang to mind, and I fought my way back to have a chance.” MORE

Vertonghen off as Spurs pay penalty

Tottenham were knocked out of the competition last night, losing 4-1 to Basel on penalties after their quarter-final second leg ended 2-2 after extra time. Spurs missed two of their spot-kicks. Jan Vertonghen was sent off in the 90th minute after Clint Dempsey had scored twice. MORE

Green light for goal-line replays

TV audiences and crowds in stadiums will be able to watch replays of goal-line technology decisions from next season after the Premier League agreed a deal with Hawk-Eye. England manager Roy Hodgson hailed it as “a momentous day”. MORE

Sussex duo inflict pain on Yorkshire

A 120-run stand by Ben Brown (93) and Ed Joyce (92) helped Sussex to 356 in response to Yorkshire’s first innings of 96. The hosts were 27-1 in their second innings at the end of day two of their clash. MORE

Newcastle crash out to Benfica

Newcastle bowed out of the Europa League after drawing 1-1 at home to Benfica last night, losing 4-2 on aggregate. Papiss Cissé gave Newcastle hope by scoring in the 71st minute, but Rodrigo set up Eduardo Salvio who tapped in a late goal to send Benfica through.

Beckham keen on FA advisory role

David Beckham believes an ambassadorial role with the Football Association beckons when he finally stops playing. The former England captain, currently with PSG, said: “I want to help English football and football in general.” MORE

Chelsea progress despite defeat

Chelsea sealed their place in the semi-finals by beating Rubin Kazan 5-4 on aggregate, despite losing 3-2 in the second leg. Chelsea scored through Fernando Torres and Victor Moses, while Ivan Marcano, Gokdeniz Karadeniz and Bebras Natcho scored in vain for Rubin. MORE

Fillol banned for 14 weeks for spitting

Jérôme Fillol, the Stade Français scrum-half who spat in Peter Stringer’s face during the Amlin Cup quarter-final with Bath, was yesterday banned for 14 weeks after a hearing in Dublin. The 35-year-old will not play again until mid-August. MORE

Dark horses

As the new Flat season gathers pace next week with a series of Classic trials, i racing correspondent Chris McGrath selects 10 horses to keep an eye on, including Moohaajim. MORE

Guan proves doubters wrong

Tianlang Guan, the youngest ever competitor in the 77 years of the Masters and the youngest in any major championship at just 14, proved his doubters wrong as he finished with a 73. He began with a bogey at the opening hole but birdied the last. MORE

Vettel may disobey team orders again

Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel says he could ignore team principal Christian Horner’s orders again if he was instructed not to challenge team-mate Mark Webber, just as he did to win the Malaysian GP. Vettel said: “I would probably do the same.” MORE