The Sport Matrix: Tuesday 31 March 2015

Robertson stunned at China Open

Dechawat Poomjaeng produced a stunning first-round upset at the China Open with a 5-4 win over world No 3 Neil Robertson. Australian Robertson has won snooker’s Triple Crown – the World and UK Championships and the Masters – and also took the China title in 2013 and was runner-up last year. But despite leading 3-1 at the interval, with breaks of 56 and 63 in frame four, he was pegged back by the Thai.

Wrexham sack manager Wilkin

Wrexham sacked their manager, Kevin Wilkin, yesterday just 24 hours after they lost in the FA Trophy final at Wembley. The Conference side lost on penalties to part-time North Ferriby United, having been 2-0 up. “This was an incredibly difficult decision,” the club said. First-team coach Carl Darlington and assistant manager Gary Mills will take temporary charge for tonight’s Conference game at home to Dover.

Hampshire sign up Edwards

Hampshire have signed former West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards, 33, for the latter half of this summer. He will arrive in July and be available for all formats of the game. Edwards, who has played 55 Tests, 50 ODIs and 20 T20 games for the Windies, said: “I’m very much looking forward to my first taste of county cricket. It’s also an honour to follow other Bajans like Malcolm Marshall and Gordon Greenidge to Hampshire.”

Old Father Time flat on his back

Old Father Time, the famous weathervane above the Lord’s Mound Stand clock, has encountered some unexpectedly fierce turbulence – and found himself flat on his back. Weekend gales have bent the deathly steel figure right over, although still in his elevated rooftop position.

It is hoped that the weathervane, which was donated in 1926, will have recovered his equilibrium in time for the start of the County Championship season on 12 April.

Falcons fined for using fake noise

The NFL has fined the Atlanta Falcons, stripped the organisation of a draft pick and suspended their team president, Rich McKay, from the league’s competition committee from 1 April following the team’s use of fake noise at home games. The Falcons have been fined $350,000 and will forfeit their fifth-round selection in the 2016 draft.