MEN’S FOOTBALL:

The FA Cup Third Round kicks off tomorrow night with Crystal Palace hosting Everton.

The 32 ties are spread over five days and will not be completed until last year’s runners-up Manchester United travel to Wigan on Monday night, a day after Cup-holders Manchester City have played Huddersfield.

Third round winning teams receive £105,000 in prize money and both clubs earn 45 per cent of the gate receipts.

MEN’S CRICKET:

While David Warner has grabbed the headlines, another top-ranked test match opener is also retiring in a game on his “home” ground.

36-year-old South African Dean Elgar, who captained his country on 17 occasions, has scored over 5,300 runs in 86 tests and currently averages just under 39.

South Africa were one up in their two match series with India when the decider began in Cape Town today.

ICE HOCKEY:

The British Elite League would appear to be in rude health after reporting record attendances at its fixtures during the festive season.

Over 80,000 spectators packed into 20 games over Christmas and the new year, a 5.5 per cent increase on last year’s numbers, with Glasgow setting new attendance records twice.

Matches were also sold out at Sheffield, Manchester, Cardiff, Nottingham and Belfast.

MEN’S BASKETBALL:

Harlesden-born Ogugua Anunoby netted 17 points and made six rebounds on his debut for the New York Knicks as they edged to an 112-106 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves. Anunoby has previously played for the Toronto Raptors.

The Boston Celtics lost 127-123 at Oklahoma on Wednesday morning but stay top of the Eastern Conference Atlantic division with the best record in the NBA.