The Sport Matrix: Wednesday 29 April 2015

Lucas becomes Britain’s first 2016 name

Sailor Helena Lucas will today become the first British athlete selected for either next year’s Rio Olympic or Paralympic Games when she is named as one of ParalympicsGB’s representatives in Brazil.

Lucas, 40 today, won gold in the 2.4mR class in London three years ago, becoming the first GB sailor to medal in the Paralympics since the sport became a full part of the programme in 2000. “It’s a relief to know that I’m going and will have the opportunity to defend my title,” she said.

Cellino allowed to watch final game

Massimo Cellino has been given permission by the Football League to attend Leeds United’s final game of the season at home to Rotherham on Saturday.

Owner Cellino’s ban from having any executive influence at Leeds does not expire until Sunday, but the club’s request for the Italian to be allowed to watch has been granted. The Football League confirmed Cellino, 58, can attend – but only as a spectator.

Thomas claims yellow in Romandie

Geraint Thomas claimed the yellow jersey as Team Sky beat Orica-GreenEdge in the opening team time trial of the Tour de Romandie. Both teams were level at the intermediate 15km checkpoint, but Sky kept seven riders – including Chris Froome – on course following the climb of the Mont d’Orzeires and swept to victory by 0.63 seconds.

Brilliant Barça pull clear at the top

Barcelona strolled into a five-point lead at the top of La Liga as they blitzed Getafe 6-0 at the Nou Camp last night. Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez both scored twice, Neymar and Xavi also finding the net as the Catalan side led by five at the interval. The Messi-Suarez-Neymar triumvirate have now scored 102 goals between them in all competitions this season. Second-placed Real Madrid welcome Almeria tonight.

Emirates sign up to £30m FA Cup deal

The FA Cup will be sponsored by Emirates from next season after the international airline agreed a £30m sponsorship deal with the Football Association. The 144-year-old competition will be known as the Emirates FA Cup in the wake of the three-year-deal with the Dubai-based airline, set to be completed this week. Budweiser sponsored the competition for three years but opted not to renew last summer.