The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 22

SPORTS GUARDIAN Friday April 15 1983 A Special Correspondent Robert Armstrong on the goalkeeping legend who hopes to be fit to help Arsenal to the FA Gup final Jennings of the countless saving graces British Open titles go to world's best 1 lw i i St i in the second. 4-2 in the third and 5-2 in the fourth but. on each occasion. Mrs Cardwell confirmed her position as the best player in the world by recovering to win each game. The champion complimented her opponent after the match.

"Lisa is the best prospect I have seen in til's game," she said. "For her age I've never seen such maturitv and discipline on court. The difference was I've been British Open champion three; before. When Lisa wins a British Open she'll be unstoppable." Jahangir defeated Gamal Awad of Egypt 9-2. 9-5, 9-1 in a final which lasted just one hour and 20 minutes.

The Egyptian, currently coached by Jonah Barrington. quickly fell one game and love-seven behind but he recovered to win the next five points and put up stubborn resistance for the next 20 minutes, when neither player recorded a point. But from then on the world chamnion moved, relatively untroubled, towards the 2.500 first prize. Earlier in the day Barrina-ton, Britain's greatest player, failed in his attempt to becom" the first winner of the title when ho was beaten 6-9, 9-3. 9-3 bv Ahmed Sslwat of Flypt- Safwat.

still rankr-d in the world's ton 15. had beaten the former World No. 1 0 in the final of th? World Over-35 event in Birmingham in November. SQUASH RACKETS The British Open championship ran true to form at Derby yesterday with the world's top two players triumphantly retaining their titles. Vicfci Cardwell of Australia for the fourth consecutive year and Jahangir Khan of Pakistan for the second.

Mrs Cardwell, who now plans to retire from the game and start a family, had the crowd against her hen she beat the 19-year-old England No 1, Lisa Opie, 9-10, 9-6, 9-4, 9-5. Despite dropping the opening game and trailing 0-2 in the second, Mrs Cardwell never appeared in serious danger of losing her title. She was warned by the referee during the fourth game that "a point can be awarded for physical but- this simply accentuated her more competitive attitude throughout the match. Miss Opie. who lost to the same opponent in last year's final, played perhaps the best, squash of her career to build up an 8-3 lead in the first game but the Australian determinedly clawed back to 8-8 in one hand before the English girl clinched the game to the delight of a fervently partisan crowd who were hoping to see the first home victory for 22 years.

The Nottingham girl led 6-4 ing as a youngster in the alien code of Gaelic football. During that historic victory over the host nation Spain, Jennings even managed one of his famous hanging-arm catches with one hand a technique the current Liverpool goalkeeper Bruce Grob-belaar failed disastrously to emulate in a European Cup tie in Poland last month. Nothing in soccer has given me greater satisfaction than victory -in Valencia," admits Jennings. I didn't want to leave the pitch when it was all over. I think I was the last player to do so." As it happened a groin injury kept Jennings out of the next game against Austria in Madrid, but it is characteristic of the man that he welcomed the selection of his younger rival Jim Piatt.

Even though it was at my expense I was genuinely glad Piatt was able to play that one game. He'd been in my shadow for years and I can understand the frustration he would have felt if he'd missed appearing in the World Cup." Indeed, Piatt's consistent form since then could still deny Jennings the chance of collecting 100 caps. The World Cup was the climax of Jennings professional ambitions, putting into focus a career that took on a new lease of life when he joined Arsenal at the age of 32. This quietly spoken Ulster man has won most of the game's major honours, including Footballer of the Year in 1973 but a League championship medal seems the one prize likely to elude him. His hopes of an all Ireland team being formed will also probably remain a pipe dream.

As befits a father of three daughters and a son Jennings has a strong desire to coach schoolchildren and hopes to be involved in improving young goalkeepers when his playing days are over. I don't want to be one of those old pros I occasionally meet who tell me they never go to watch football. I find that rather sad." Jennings is one old pro still too busy playing to be a spectator. rat Jennings an autobiography published by Collins Willow, 7.95. BARGAIN BUY When Jennings semifinal against Manchester United.

Certainly his long career has not been free of pain and disappointment, especially during the climatic departure from Tottenham in 1977 when he was transferred to Arsenal for the then ludicrous fee of 45,000. In his autobiography Jennings gives a graphic description of his treatment by the Spurs directors shortly after the club were relegated to the Second Division and it had been decided to let him go. While I was in the car park the directors all trooped out to join the coach and they walked past me without a single word of greeting. I never even got a good morning from one of them. It was as though I didn't exist if somebody had stuck a knife in me at that moment, it couldn't have hurt me Charles Burgess Saunders prunes for new joined Arsenal from Tottenham more." Jennings had been with Spurs for 13 years.

Unlike many First Division players Jennings is never coy about his earnings, perhaps because they seem derisory compared to the income of top European stars. It is hard to believe that the Irishman, having already won two caps, was persuaded by Billy Nicholson to leave Watford and join Spurs without a signing on fee for 40 a week even in the more modest era of 1964. Even Arsenal, who on his own admission have treated him fairly, gave Jennings a four-year contract worth only 20,000 a season in 1977. Arsenal are hardly profligate with cash as their refusal to pay enough to keep Frank Stapleton showed in 1981, but their reputation for meanness cannot compare with Spurs' parsimony during the mid-70s. dividual directors," Saunders explained.

Our basic problem was that we were overloaded with overpaid players, most of whom were not good enough. The savings and cut-backs are already beginning to take effect, but the full impact will not bear fruit for possibly another 12 months." On the playing front he said that in implementing the clear-out there was now a completely reshaped side which had so far had not had the chance of blending together. He said the club had been like a bucket with a great big hole in it. TALKING HEADS: Jimmy Hill Ron Saunders saving money Nancy Tomkins in Kuala Lumpur England's best yet SOCCER EVERY SCHOOLBOY knows that Pat Jennings is rather more than a renowned inter-- national goalkeeper. Jennings has the impact of a quality brand name which offers a unique style just as Rolls-Royce or St Laurent offer a unique product.

Like them Jennings has stood the test of time so well that his authority and elegance are instantly recognisable. Like them he has attracted copywriters' hyperbole such as "The world's greatest goalkeeper." Naturally the quiet Irishman from Newry, County Down, responds wryly to that intimidating tag, observing that it is better than being called the world's worst goalkeeper. The man who has played over 1,000 first class games, won 95 caps for Northern Ireland, and made six Cup final appearances at Wembley, has remained at the top for two decades largely because he is a supreme realist. Jennings, the professional, knows that one bad game can soon banish his legendary reputation to the shadows. In fact the 37-year-old goalkeeper has not played for his country since his outstanding performance in the World Cup finals in Spain last summer, even though his form for Arsenal this season has shown no loss of speed, judgement or agility.

Jennings has often said he would like to end his career at Highbury where the competitive spur provided by his Scottish rival, George Wood, helps him maintain the high standards he has always set himself. It would be misleading to assume from Jennings' relaxed, at times laconic manner, that succpss has flowed automatically from his outstanding natural talent. The truth is more mundane few players work harder in training or show more intense concentration during a game. Jennings has a photographic ability to recall every goalmouth incident, hence one's astonishment at his itemisation of saves made during the recent Milk Cup Hitchens dies at 48 Gerry Hitchens, the former Aston Villa and England centre forward, who spent several years playing in Italy, collapsed and died after a match near his home in North Wales on Wednesday evening. He was 48.

Hitchens, a bustling, blond striker, with considerable skill, was at Villa for four years from 1957, joining them from Cardiff for 22,500. He scored 78 League goals in 132 appearances, and was then transferred to Inter Milan for 95,000. He spent several successful years in Italy before retiring from football. He was horn in Rawnsley and began his career at Kidderminster. On November 4, 1959, he scored five goals for Villa when they thrashed Charlton U-l at a time when he knew he was in danger of losing hs place.

In that season he scored 23 goals in 36 games to help Villa gain promotion to the First Division. He scored on his debut for England in the 8-0 victory over Mexico at Wembley in May 1961, and went on to win four caps, scoring four goals, eventually losing his place to Bobby Smith after playing in the 1962 World Cup finals in Chile. At his home in Holywell where he lived with his wife Mericl and his five children, Hitchens was the manager of a family firm of builders' merchants. In his spare time he was the player-manager of a team of local businessmen and solicitors. It was during the second half of a game with a council side in Hope, between Wrexham and Mold on Wednesday evening, that he collapsed.

Joe Mercer, his manager at Villa, said last night: "I am shocked. Everybody thought the world of him, especially in Italy. He did a fantastic job for Villa. He was so quick and got us out of the Second Division scoring a lot of goals. He was a great man and will be sorely, missed." Charles Burgess RESULTS Soccer FRIENDLY MATCH (Lisbon).

Portugal 0, Hungary 0. FOOTBALL COMBINATION. Fulbam 3. Luton Leicester 2, Oxford Utd Mlllwall 0, Tottenham 0. CENTRAL LEAGUE.

First DlHilon Newcastle 1. Everum 2: Sheeld Wed 1. Leeds Stoke 3, Coventry 0. Second Die Barnsley 0, Burnley Middlesbrough 2, Oldhim Preston 2. Chestereld 0.

NORTHERN PREMIER LEAGUE. Nether-field 0, Chorley 3. Premier Dlilslon: Bognor Regis 2, Barking NORTH-WEST COUNTIES LEAGUE CUP: ouan Town b. button uta u. Qiurtir-flnil, replay: Harwich 1, Darwen 2 "ATHENIAN LEAGUE: Rulsllp Manor 4.

Harelleld Utd 3. RUKTA. Sim -lliu Greater Manchester 4, Inner London 1 (at Ashton Utd); Greater Manchester to play Humberslde In final at Hull Cltv on Anrll 2B. SOUTH-EAST COUNTIES LEAGUE. First OlWslin; Arsenal 1, APR 1.

Rugby Union CLUB MATCH: Swansea 37. Pontyoridd 12. Rugby League JLAL0M LAGER CHAMPIONSHIP Halifax (2) 2, Castleford (17) 47. Hallfai: Goal: Agar, Cutltfonf: Trln; K. Beardmore the ludicrous transfer fee was As late as 1974 Jennings still earned just 4,000 a year from Tottenham and it took a small-scale revolt by eight first-team players to force the club to double that figure.

By 1975-76 the Irishman was receiving 11,500 and in his last season at White Hart Lane when ironically he played only 25 games he was paid 15,000. Against the wishes of the Spur's board Jennings arranged a testimonial with Arsenal which netted him a satisfactory 25,000 for his 13 years. No doubt a more mercenary character than Jennings would have used an agent, an accountant, and a solicitor to reap a richer bar-vest at a time when money seem-1 limitless in the First Division. But he has no regrets and pays loyal tribute to Nicholson for bringing him to Tottenham where he Now they had got a new bucket and had to fill it. Saunders enjoys the full support of the Birmingham board, headed by the millionaire Keith Coombes.

They have pumped money into the club without ever buying success. The reality of modern football finance has now dawned on them. Supporters said yesterday that Saunders was making excuses in advance of relegation, a failure he has yet to savour. It will be tougher still to encourage the fans to attend in the Second Division. One Birmingham player of the '50s said of Saunders last week (left) looking tor money; on the fitness of Bryan Robson, the captain of club and country, for the European championship match against Hungary on April 27.

Robson will watch the Hungarians, who drew 0-0 with Portugal in a friendly at Lisbon on Wednesday night, when they play Luxembourg on Sunday. Mike Lyons seems to be losing his fight for a place in Sheffield Wednesday's team to play Brighton. He has a trouble- David Hutchinson of Harrogate stopped the match for 16 minutes after bottles, coins and asbestos torn from the roof of a stand were thrown. Burnley supporters were blamed. Golf TUNISIAN OPEN (El Kantaoul).

First Round (GB If not stated): 681. Mosey, M. McLean, T. Sieckmann (US). 69 A.

Garrido (Spain). 70 M. Persson (Swe), E. Rodrl-miei (Spain). 71 T.

Charnlcy, D. Fehcrty, K. Kinefl (Swe). 72 J. Rlvero (Spain), D.

Smyth (Ireland), N. Hunt. C. Knauss (W Germany), M. Poxon, 0.

Selberg (Swe), M. Miller, R. Darrleumerlou (Fra), J. O'Leary (Ireland), K. Brown, B.

Waltes, ,0. DurnliM, M. Plnero (Spain). Other scores included 73 C. Mason, K.

Waters, P. Townsend. M. Calero (Spain), J. Anglada (Spain), M.

Mackenzie, H. Clark. 74 M. Thomas, A. O'Connor (Ireland), G.

Ciillen. J. Hosklnson, E. Oarcy (Ireland), R. Lee, II.

Mitchell, M. James, B. Marchbank. LOWNDES LAMBERT PGA U-2S CHAMPIONSHIPS (St Pierre GO. Qualifiers for Final Round: 72-N.

Brown (Mid-Herts). 73-C. Steele (Minchlnhampton): M. McGee (unatt). 74-M.

Day (Whitchurch), K. Hay-ward (Fulford Hth). G. Furey (Ludlow). M.

Torrens (Ryl Mid-Surrey). 75-D. Brumpton (Whlttlngton). G. Emerson (Knighton Hth), A.

Strange (Oswestry). Cricket TOUR MATCH HARARE. Zimbabwe First Innings 127 (D. Fletcher 44: R. McCurdy 4 for 37), Voung Australians First Innings 97 for 8 (P.

Rawson 5 for 37, J. Tralcoi 3 for 7). Diving US INDOOR CHAMPIONSHIPS (tndlanaoo- lls) 1M Springboard: 1. G. Louganls (US), 633.12 pts; 2, R.

Bollinger (US), 605.25. ife 45,000 is still revered by many fans for his part in winning the FA Cup, the League Cup (twice) and the UEFA Cup. No Spurs supporter can fail to appreciate the irony of Jennings going on to make three consecutive FA Cup final appearances with Arsenal at a time when Tottenham were struggling 1o solve their goalkeeping problem. Keith Burkinshaw finally paid Liverpool 300.000 for Ray Clemence in 1981, but by that stage Jennings was already rivalling Dino Zoff of Italy for durability. In Spain the 40-year-old Zoff eventually stole the limelight with a World Cup winners medal.

For Jennings merely taking part was the dream of a lifetime. Northern Ireland owed much of their extraordinary progress to the expertise of a veteran who learned his adroit handl growth "He is the Mrs Thatcher of football. He has made a virtue of strong-mindedness and has gone too far too soon. Meanwhile in Coventry Jimmy Hill revealed yesterday he was prepared to hand over the chairmanship of his club if someone was prepared to sink 250,000 into it. Hill, chairman for three years, said We are now at our worst financial moment in our history.

With football in its present state no one knows whether there is a future for any of us." Last May Coventry owed the bank a reported 565,000. Hill, aged 54, said The bank will not now increase our overdraft and we have made all the economies we can. We have explored a dozen ways to. get investment into the club, but if there is a benefactor willing to risk 250,000 of his own money he would be welcome to the board." Hill said he would willingly move over if that benefactor was the right man. Coventry are considering allowing standing spectators at one end of Highfield Road next season.

For the past two years it has been all-sealed which has led to criticism, not only from those who prefer to stand, but also about the lack of atmosphere. some groin strain, and Peter Shirtliff stands by to make his seventh senior appearance A five-a-side game at Brighton today will decide whether Gerry Ryan, the flank player, will play against Wednesday. If he is unfit another Irishman, 20-vear-old Gary Howlett, a Republic of Ireland youth international will come in for only his fourth senior match. Another change is forced by the suspension of Chris Ramsen. Central defender Gary Stevens moves to right back, former Arsenal player Steve Gatting will switch from left back to the centre of defence to partner Steve Foster, and the former Barnet defender Graham Pearce comes into the side at left back.

Basketball NATIONAL ASSOCIATION. Dallas 106, Utah 99; Kansas City 114, Atlanta 103; San Antonio 114, Los Angeles 109; Phoenix 109. Seattle 96; Denver 131, Houston 112; Golden State 113, San Diego 92; Washington 95. Philadelphia 76; Indiana 113. Milwaukee 90; Detroit 113, Boston 101: Chicago 107, Cleveland 98; flew York 108.

New Jersey 100; San Antonio 117, Los Angeles 114. FIXTURES Soccer (Kick-off 7.M If not stated) FOURTH DIVISION. Colchester v. Scunthorpe, Crewe v. Hartlepool, Halifax York City.

FOOTBALL COMBINATION. Brighton v. Readlnq (7.15); Crystal Palace v. QPR, Norwich v. Watford (2.0).

FRIENDLY Walthamstow Ave v. Spurs LANCASHIRE LEAGUE. First Division: Stockport County v. Bolton Wanders A. CENTRAL LEAGUE: WBA v.

Liverpool IRISH LEAGUE: Glentoran v. Ballymena. Rugby League SLALOM LAGER. Carlisle v. Bradford Northern (at Huddenfleld), Warrington v.

WoAinglon (8.0). MATTHEW BROWN ENGLISH C5HIPS. Filth Round (Wldnes, am). injury problems abound TOP OF THE TREE: Jahangir Khan (above) and Vicki Card-well who retained their British titles. DAVIE5 AND TATE BRITISH OPEN fOersy).

Msn's 0ver-o5 Final: A. Sifwat (Enypt) beat J. (Ir?) 9-6. 6-9. 9-i.

9-3. Men's F'nal Jahangir Khan (Pak) beat G. (Eqvot). 9-2. 9-5.

9-1. Women's Final: V. Cardwell (Aii'tulM) beat L. Opie (Nous) 9-10, 9-(v MI. 9-ri.

four-nations tournament In Durham. England's verve and finesse created many opportunities in the first half, and New Zealand defenders Mary Clinton and Robyn Blackmore took credit for keeping the first half goalless. The second half was spellbinding. Jane Swinnerton scored immediately after the interval, assisted by Maggie Souyave and Linda Carr, who forced a dramatic error by Blackmore for England's second goal. A minute later Lesley Monk finished off a penalty corner to reduce the arrears for New Zealand, but almost r.t once Kim Gordon bounced a shot off the goalkeeper's pads, and on the hour Ruth Iline scored England's third.

Dixon's injury followed and England brought on Mary Allen as the last of the three substitutes allowed. Monk put away her second penalty corner before time intervened. WOMEN'S WORLD CUP (Kuala Lumnur I Groun Scotland 1, Wales 1. Groun USSR 1, Arqrnlina Canada 2, W. Gt I.England 3, New Zealand 2.

GROUP A 0 A Pts Australia 3 2 1 0 4 ViMicrlaids 3 2 1 0 3 1 United States .1 1 1 1 4 i .1 Scotland A 3 1 2 3 Wales 4 0 3 1 4 8 3 India 3 0 1 2 4 6 1 GROUP EnnLwd 3 1 2 4 4 Zeahnd 3 1 1 1 5 3 Canada .3111443 Arnentina 3 1 1 1 2 2 3 Soviet Union 3 1112 3 3 West Germany 3 10 2 3 3 2 WOMSN'S INTER-CONTINENTAL CUP (Kuala Lumpur). Group Spam 2. Zmi babwe 1. have not found enough sponsorship. Their managing director Oliver said at present we are unable to pay Alan the fee which a driver of his ability can command." Chico Serra (Brazil Is expected to replace the Australian.

RUGBY LEAGUE Further efforts to end the pay dispute between Bramley and their players failed last night despite recommendations by the arbitration service, earlier in the day. The players are. still refusing to turn out in Sunday's home game against Salford and Bramley are pushing ahead with their plans for the Oldham amateur team, St Anne's, to represent them. TABLE TENNIS The English men were drawn in the same pool as Hong Kong, who finished third behind England and Nigeria last year, in the qualifying round of the Commonwealth championships beginning in Kuala Lumpur on Sunday. MOTOR CYCLING Barry Shcene.

the former 500cc world champion who rides at Doning-ton Park this weekend, will be sponsored by the British importers of DAF trucks this year. MARATHON John Rodtla Dollars for the taking RAY SMEDLEY of Birch-field Harriers, who finished eighth for England in the Commonwealth Games marathon, joins Dave Cannon of Gateshead, Mike Gratton of Invicta and Ian Ray of Salisbury in an England team that will be hoping to earn $10,000 from the Gillette London Marathon on Sunday. Most of the 17,500 athletes on the starting line at Greenwich will be pleased just to finish, but for the thoroughbreds the team race carries a valuable prize. This goes to the rational federation, in this instance the Amateur Athletic Association, but they have decided to disburse the money to the competitors as a training subvention. With $2,500 each at stake, and lesser sums for the teams finishing second and third, there might be some protests from others in the field whom the England selectors have not considered, such as Malcolm East, who lives in the US and has a marathon time of 2hr.

llrain. lOscc, and Nick Brawn, another Invicta member with a similar time. Mervyn Brameld, who finished 15th in last year's London race in a time of 2hr. 15min. 59scc.

might wonder why he has been overlooked for the team, which comprises Don Fair-cloth, Derek Stevens, Stan Curran and John Cain. The total entry for the race is 19,735, which race director Chris Brasher feels is too large. "We are offering people who have to withdraw because of Injury or illness this year a free place in next year's race, so long as they let us know by Sunday morning," he said yesterday. "Wc have had 1,400 returned entries so far so I think we will be down to the manageable figure of 17,500 for the start." The entry now includes 40 of the world's top 114 marathon men and 26 of the leading 100 women designated by the Association of International Marathons. An army of officials were yesterday taking the strain as runners arrived at County Hall to collect their entries and checked in at the overseas runners' headquarters, the Waldorf Hotel.

The man with the biggest problem was the course director, John Dlsley, who discovered yesterday that after all his meticulous planning and coordination, a GLC repair squad was digging up bis road at the 22-mile point. Ron Saunders, the manager of relegation threatened Birmingham City, said yesterday that if there had not been 150,000 worth of donations from the directors, and if he had not sold players and cut the annual wage bill by 200,000, the club would have gone out of business. Birmingham's debts are still more than 1,500,000. Saunders' statements will do little to assuage the club's dwindling band of supporters. They have seen a wholesale clear-out of players the last being Dillon and Curbishley who have been replaced by a smaller but largely mediocre squad.

However, the former Villa manager, who took over at St Andrew's 14 months ago, is sure that by attempting 1.6 sort out the club's structure, and reduce the wage bill, he has the basis on which to build. Saunders is on a three year roll on contract worth nearly 50,000 a year. He drives a top-of-the-line club Mercedes. When I arrived, the financial position was drastic to say the least and was getting worse weekly. The only thing certain was that if nothing was done then the club would cease to exist in spite of massive injections of cash from in Semi-final With the FA Cup semifinals only a day away, all four clubs involved Arsenal and Manchester United, who meet at Villa Park, and Brighton and Sheffield Wednesday, who play at Highbury still have injury problems wriles Charles Burgess.

Four Arsenal players are in doubt and manager Terry Neill may be forced to delay naming the side until shortly before kickoff. No one is definitely out, and David O'Leary looks to have the best chance at the moment, said Neill yesterday. The other injuries concern striker Alan Sunderland (groin), midfielder Peter Nicholas (leg) and goalkeepr Pat Jennings (3). Hyde (2). R.

Beardmore, Conned, Cohen, Hardy; Goals: R. Beardmore (10). 984. SECOND DIVISION FuHiam (25) 35, Huddenfleld (0) 3. Ful-ham: Tries: Eckersley (2), Bayllss, Crossley, Wood, Klnsey, M'Bark; Goals: Diamond 171.

Huddenfleld: Try: George. 499 (at Wldnes). Rochdale (3) 9, Dewsbury (5) 15. Rochdale: Tries: Walnwrlght. Piatt, Gorvln.

Dewsbury: Tries: Patterson. Marsden, Vasty; Goals: Vasey LANCASHIRE COMBINATION: Wlgan 40. Swlnton 10. Tennis PACIFIC SW C'SHIP (Los Angeles). Second Round (US If not stated): J.

Connors beat E. Fromm, 6-3, 6-0; F. Buehnlng beat E. Teltscber. 6-4, 6-4; Kriek (S.

Africa) beat P. Dupre, 4-. 6-3. 6-1; R. ran't Hot beat B.

Watts, f-6, 2-6, 6-3. Third Round: B. Gottfried beat C. Hooper, 6-7, 6-3, 6-3; T. Mayottt beat M.

Purcell. 2-, 6-2, 7-6; M. Dtpalmer beat T. WMkl-son. 6-7, 6-3.

7-6. WCT TOURNAMENT (Hilton Head Is). guarter-flnalj: T. Smld (Ciech) beat. B.

Scan Ion (US). 6-2. 6-1. 3-6, 6-4. LIPT0N WOMEN'S TOURNAMENT (Amelia Island).

Second Round (US If not slated) B. Oadusek beat I. Budarova (Czech), 6-1. 6-2; 9. Casate beat A.

Moulton, 3-6, 6-2, 6-3; S. Hanlka SffA A. Leand, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5; W. White beat C. Benjamin, 6-4, 6-2; M.

Torres beat Y. Vermaak (S. Africa) 4-6, 7-5, 6-1; Z. Girrlion beat t. Mad-ruga-Osses (Argentina) 4-6.

7-5. 6-2; E. Pfjff (W, Ger) beat Duk Hee Lee (Korea) 7-5, 6-2; S. Barker (GB) beat A. Holton 6-0, 1-6, 6-3; E.

Head beat M. S. A. J. R.

T. D. HOCKEY England went to the lop of Pool at the Women's World Cup in Kuala Lumpur yesterday by defeating New Zealand 3-2 in a dazzling display of hockey under a welcome grey sky. Canada's 2-1 win over Germany and the USSR's defeat of Wednesday's leaders, Argentina, gave England an opportunity which they grasped with relish, but victory was achieved at some cost. Vicki Dixon, Enaland's out standing sweeper, and Kim Gordon, an indefatigable forward, were both injured and carried oif at the end of the match.

Fortunately England have a rest day today and arc hopeful the two will recover in time to play the Soviet Union at 7.30 tomorrow morning. A semifinal place could be at stake Germany, the No.2 seeds, lie at the bottom now and cannot overtake England, but New Zealand, Argentina. Canada and the USSR are all just one point below England. In their earlier drawn matches with Argentina and Canada, England's listless challenge was a great disappointment, but against New Zealand yesterday England at last produced the form that earned seven consecutive home victories this season, including a 1-0 defeat of New Zealand at a SPORT IN BRIEF RUGBY UNION: Colin Smart, the Newport prop, will be eligible to play for England in the next international championship even if a ban is in effect when the new season opens. Smart was sent off on Wednesday night during a stormy game against Pontypool at Rodney Parade, writes Barrie Fairall.

Any punishment that the Welsh impose in England there is an automatic suspension of 30 days could still be in force in September. Derek Morgan, the RFU's administrative secretary, said yesterday however that Smart would be considered for selection even if a suspension was carried over because his actual dismissal came this season. In the meantime, poor publ-city did nothing to swell the gate at Roehampton for the Cincom London Floodlit Sevens. Harlequins beat the home club, Rosslyn Park, 18-10 in the final. MOTOR RACING Alan Jones, the former world champion, will not compete in Sunday's French Grand Prix at Le tellat because the Arrows team Meanwhile, the Manchester United manager Ron Atkinson will have his last selection problem resolved today when centre back Kevin Moran tests the ankle he twisted in the Milk.

Cup final three weeks ago. Moran has played in only two of United's last nine games and is regular deputy McGrath could be asked to stand in. The match will tie watched by the England manager Bobby Robson, who will be checking AN FA disciplinary committee yesterday cleared Blackburn Rovers and Burnley of blame for the riot at their match at Ewood Road on Easter Monday. The referee Malecva (Bulg) 6-3. 6-3: R.

Regal (Italy) beat L. Forood 6-3, 6-2; C. Eyert-Lloyd beat M. L. Plalck 6-1, 6-0.

PRUDENTIAL BRITISH U-1S HARD COURT CHAMPIONSHIPS (Edgbaston). Boys: Quarter-finals: R. Whlchello (Kent) beat 'HI. Wallace (Avon) 6-4. 6-2; A.

Brlce (Cheshire) beat S. Heron (Yorks) 6-3, 6-3; R. Every (Notts) beat C. Peet (Lanes) 3-6, 6-3, 6-2; J. Goodall (Yorks) beat A.

Hunting (Lelcs) 6-1. 6-2. Girls, Quarter-finals: S. Mair (Scotland) beat C. Wood (Sussex) 7-5, 6-1; J.

Reeres (Kent) beat F. Gouldridge (Dorset) 6-2. 6-4; C. Ghlguanitas (Mlddx) beat Whitman (Notts) 6-4, 6-2: A. Grant (Lines) beat A.

Reichenbacft (Lelcs) 6-3, 6-3. GP TOURNAMENT (Alx-en-Provence). Second-Round M. Wllander (Swe) beat Jarryd (Swe). 6-4.

6-3: J. Nystrem (Swe) beat Fritz (Fra), 7-5, 6-2; A. Ganiabal (Argentina) beat P. Cash (Australia) 4-6. 6-4, 6-4; V.

Peed (Paraguay) beat Avendano (Spain), 6-0, 7-6. Boxing LT-HEAVYWEIGHT FIGHT (Atlantic City). Mike Rossman (US) beat Charlie Smith (US), st 10th rd. ABA NATIONAL C'SHIPS. Ouallfltri for Finals (at Preston).

(English If not stated); Super Heavy: G. Williamson, K. Ferdinand. Heavy: H. Hylton, H.

Notice. Lt Heavy: T. Wilson, C. Edwards. Middle: T.

Forbes, B. Schumacher (Combined Services). LI Middle: Douglas, J. Melfah. Welter: B.

McKenley, Campbell (Scot). Lt Welter: D. Dent, Griffiths (Wales). Light: K. Willis.

G. Rogers. Feather: K. Taylor, P. Bradley.