The Sport Matrix: Thursday 12 March 2015

Murray brings in Bjorkman as coach

Andy Murray is testing out former world No 4 Jonas Bjorkman as a coach, with a view to adding the doubles specialist to his coaching team. Murray has been looking for a second coach to work alongside Amélie Mauresmo since splitting from long-time team member Dani Vallverdu in November. Bjorkman, currently appearing in the Swedish version of Strictly Come Dancing, said he was “super excited” to join Murray’s team.

Budapest to hold 2017 world champs

Budapest will host the 2017 World Swimming Championships in place of Guadalajara, Mexico, which withdrew owing to financial problems. Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orban, said the championships would be the largest sports event held in the capital. “This is a gigantic undertaking,” he said. “Success is not written in the stars. If everyone does their job, the venues will be completed on schedule.”

Hull KR strengthen with Lunt on loan

Hull KR have moved quickly to strengthen their pack following the sudden retirement of prop Mick Weyman by capturing hooker Shaun Lunt from Huddersfield on loan for the rest of the Super League campaign. Lunt, who won a Grand Final ring while on loan to Leeds in 2012, will plug the gap created by the departure at the end of last season of Josh Hodgson, who left to join Canberra Raiders.

I am skating: Rod’s son in GB squad

Liam Stewart, the son of rock star Rod Stewart and model Rachel Hunter, has moved a step closer to making his senior Great Britain debut. The 20-year-old has been included in new head coach Pete Russell’s initial 31-man party, which will be cut to 23 for next month’s World Championships in the Netherlands. Stewart, who was born in London, plays his hockey in America for Spokane Chiefs of the Western Hockey League and has already represented Britain at Under-20 level. Russell said: “They all deserve their place.”

Malori beats Nibali and Contador

Adriano Malori won the first-day time trial at the Tirreno-Adriatico yesterday, beating favourite Fabian Cancellara by one second. The Italian completed the 3.4-mile route – shortened because of debris on the road following high winds – in 6min 4sec. Defending champion Alberto Contador finished 19 seconds down, and Vincenzo Nibali 11 seconds down.