The Sport Matrix: Saturday 21 March 2015

Rio plans midnight ‘party’ matches

Beach volleyball will stage midnight matches on Copacabana Beach during the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

The sport’s director, Angelo Squeo, said: “We believe that after the match there will be a nice party atmosphere around Copacabana.

“That is going to be very important to bring the party style beach volleyball is known for.”

The late slot is part of a schedule aimed at maximising television audiences.

Laugher claims World Series title

Jack Laugher has claimed his first World Series title with a spectacular performance in the 3m springboard final in Dubai. The Leeds 20-year-old broke the 90-point barrier in five of his six dives to beat China’s former Olympic and world champion He Chong. Laugher had won four bronze and two silver medals in last year’s World Series but had yet to reach the top of the podium.

Lowes hits heights in Thai practice

England’s Alex Lowes came out fastest following second practice for the Thailand leg of the World Superbike Championship. The 2013 world champion topped the combined timesheets on his Voltcom Crescent Suzuki after P1 and P2 at Chang International Circuit. Lowes finished slightly ahead of Jonathan Rea of Northern Ireland, fastest in first practice, and Wales’ Chaz Davies.

Poyet’s pride at Black Cats ‘miracle’

Gus Poyet has spoken of his pride at what he achieved at Sunderland, four days after being relieved of his duties as head coach. “I will always remember fondly that miracle unbeaten run [which meant Sunderland evaded the drop last season], a vein of form for which I was honoured to be short-listed for the Manager of the Year Award. I leave feeling proud,” he said.

German GP taken off 2015 calendar

The German Grand Prix has been dropped from this year’s Formula One calendar. There had been questions over which circuit would host the race, which in recent seasons has been shared between Hockenheim and Nürburgring. Officials from both had voiced concern that time was running out to organise the event, which was scheduled to take place on 19 July.