MEN’S ICE HOCKEY: Goals from Jack Hopkins, Kim Tallberg and Grayson Constable steered Coventry Blaze to a 3-2 win over defending champions Belfast in Wednesday’s first leg of their Challenge Cup semi final. 

The second leg takes place next Wednesday when the competition’s most successful club, Nottingham Panthers, face off against Sheffield in the other last four clash. 

Belfast have won the cup five times in the last seven seasons.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: The English FA Cup kicks off on Friday evening with nine-time winners Chelsea returning to manager Liam Rosenior’s former club Hull City and Wrexham taking on Ipswich. 

Premier League leaders Arsenal face 2013 champions Wigan on Sunday before Macclesfield, who knocked out holders Crystal Palace in the last round, bring the round to its conclusion on Monday when they welcome Brentford to Moss Rose.

MEN’S CYCLING: Christian Scaroni sprinted clear of last year’s Tour of Oman winner Adam Yates to take Wednesday’s final stage on Green Mountain and sealed the red jersey general classification title ahead of Astana team-mate Cristian Rodriguez in second with Yates third. 

Winchester-born Paul Double, riding for the Jayco Alula team, was fifth overall. Scaroni also claimed the points classification ahead of French rider Baptiste Veistroffer.

MEN’S FOOTBALL: Holders Bologna are out of the Coppa Italia, losing to Lazio on penalties after Wednesday night’s quarter final had ended in a 1-1 draw. Lazio will face Atalanta in their two-legged semi final. 

The other last four tie sees Como, who beat Napoli on penalties, up against Serie A table-toppers Inter Milan. Como are the only team left in the competition who have not previously reached a Coppa Italia final.