Sportsday Live - Thursday 24 May as it happened

That's all for another jam-packed session of Sportsday Live. Thank you for your company and your contributions. Goodbye, one and all.

Great Britain's men's team enjoy a superb day as they qualifY in top spot for the team final at the European Championships in Montpellier.

Daniel Purvis, Max Whitlock, Ruslan Panteyleymonov, Louis Smith and Kristian Thomas scored a total of 265.718 points, the top score of the day.

Football Focus presenter Dan Walker tweets: "Forget all this expensive goal-line technology business. Just dig a pit in the goal with a crocodile in it! Crude, but effective..."

Force India expect driver Paul Di Resta to stay with them next season, but would be understanding if the he wanted to move elsewhere, says team owner Vijay Mallya.

"Should [our drivers] ever want to think of going elsewhere I am sure they will come and tell us and it will be something that we will work out very amicably," he said.

Rory McIlroy is eight shots behind at Wentworth, and Iain Carter says: "McIlroy's ragged round was a surprise, as were the television images of him tossing his club in frustration. There has to be room for emotion in the game, but this didn't show the world number one in his best light.

"Tiger Woods was rightly castigated for his violent club kicking at the Masters and McIlroy should not be above criticism for this fit of pique. His crime, though, was at the lower end of the scale and it will be, hopefully, an isolated incident."

Racist abuse should be a sackable offence for players in England next season, says Professional Footballers' Association chief Gordon Taylor.

He is pushing for changes to be made to every Premier League and Football League player's contract.

"I don't see a problem with that being introduced," said Taylor.

The United States Olympic Committee have struck a deal which should allow America to bid for future Games.

The agreement with the International Olympic Committee, which is reportedly due to start from 2020 and run for 20 years, ends a dispute between the two bodies over television and marketing money.

Carl Froch believes he can get an early advantage over Lucian Bute at tomorrow's public weigh-in in Nottingham ahead of their fight on Saturday.

"Bute is going to feel the full force of my fans tomorrow - there's nothing like The Cobra's army in full force," said Froch.

"It looks like it's going to be a beautiful day so I hope they come out in their thousands."

Former Hull City boss Nick Barmbyhas lost his appeal against his sacking by the club, and releases a statement through the League Managers Association:

"I was surprised that the club did not appoint an independent person to hear the appeal and I am now considering the outcome in detail and will consult with the LMA's legal team before deciding on any further action," he said.

Striker Fernando Torres claims he "lost hope" at Chelsea but is optimistic about next season at Stamford Bridge.

"There were times where I lost hope and that has never happened to me before," he told his official website.

"It's the worst feeling in the world when you love your profession and I became the player I hate. Luckily it is part of the past."

Former world number three Paul Casey, who is on the road to recovery after dislocating a shoulder at Christmas, is disappointed with shooting a 78 at Wentworth.

"I so want to play and I did a good job of faking it, but it's so frustrating," he admitted.

Andrea Guardini surged ahead of Mark Cavendish to win the 18th stage of the Giro d'Italia, and the Italian is delighted.

"I couldn't be happier. It's an amazing thing because I've beaten the world champion, at least today," said the 22-year-old.

"I accelerated away with 250 metres to go, I saw Cavendish was behind me and couldn't beat me. It's incredible."

Wolves and Scotland defender Christophe Berra defends the right of his team-mates to represent Team GB this summer.

"The Olympics are one of the biggest events in the world," said Berra.

"I think anyone who had the opportunity to play there and represent their country would be mad to turn it down."

Steve Bould has spoken of his delight following his appointment as Arsenal's assistance manager.

The former Gunners defender, who had been working in the club's youth set-up, has replaced Pat Rice as Arsene Wenger's right-hand man.

"It is more than excitement. It is an absolute privilege and an honour," Bould told the club's television channel.

It is London Calling on BBC Radio 5 live from 19:00 BST. There will be a look ahead to Friday's 100m race involving Usain Bolt and Dwain Chambers, an interview with the fastest man in a canoe, Ed McKeever, and a focus on Olympic boxing, that includes an exclusive interview with Team GB amateur heavyweight boxer Anthony Joshua.

From 21:30 BST it is 5 live Tennis, previewing the French Open, which starts on Sunday.

From 22:00 BST it 5 live Cricket, looking ahead to the second Test between England and the West Indies. That starts on Friday.

England defender Joleon Lescottsays it is a "shame" that fears of racism are taking centre stage ahead of this summer's European Championship.

Asked if he is worried about racism, he said: "As a player no - you get on with it, it wouldn't be the first time."

French tennis star and world number 13 Gael Monfils withdraws from the French Open because of an injury to his right knee.

The home crowd favourite could not recover in time to feature at Roland Garros when the tournament begins on Sunday.

Aston Villa and Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given has been told he can resume training next week, having seen a specialist in London regarding a knee injury.

A spokesman for the Football Association of Ireland said: "The specialist has been in contact with the Irish medical team and agrees with their diagnosis and recovery management plan."

England captain Andrew Strauss says players need to tread carefully when using social media, after batsman Kevin Pietersen was fined for criticising Sky television commentator Nick Knight on Twitter.

Strauss says he is "far too boring" to tweet but admits the forum does a good job in publicising the game.

London Irish announce the appointment of New Zealander Glenn Delaney as their new forwards' coach. Delaney, who takes up his post with immediate effect, joins the Exiles from Championship club Nottingham, where he spent seven years as rugby director.

Britain's Laura Robson takes the first set in her second-round qualifier for the French Open against Frenchwoman Laura Thorpe. She won the first set 7-5. Further updates in due course.

Scot David Drysdale is currently tied with Ireland's Peter Lawrie at six-under-par in the PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Mark Cavendishnarrowly loses out to Andrea Guardini in the 18th stage of the Giro d'Italia. Italian Guardini surged past Cavendish in the closing metres of the race, with Roberto Ferrari coming third.

Sophie Allen claims Great Britain's second silver medal in 24 hours at the European Championships after replicating Stockport ITC team-mate James Goddard in the 200 metres individual medley in Debrecen.

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirms that the Gloucestershire bowler David Wade has received an automatic suspension under their discipline code. During a Second XI Championship match Wade was reported by umpires for two Level Two breaches of the code (inappropriate and deliberate physical contact between players in the course of play and throwing the ball at or near a player, umpire or official in an inappropriate and dangerous manner). He is suspended from all cricket from Friday, 25 May to Wednesday, 30 May inclusive.

In the quarter-finals of the ATP Tour event in Nice number one seed Nikolay Davydenko beats American John Isner 6-4 7-6 (7-4), while Frenchman Gilles Simon sees off Thomaz Belluci 7-5 6-0.

Hamburg announce that Chelsea's Dutch international defender Jeffrey Bruma will remain at the club for a second season. HSV sporting director Frank Arnesen says: "Jeffrey will stay with us next season". The 20-year-old moved to the Bundesliga on an initial 12-month loan deal and scored twice in 22 appearances.

In the County Championship Division One, Middlesex are 50-2 at tea against Lancashire, while in Division Two Gloucestershire are 38-3 in their match against Northants.

Mark Cavendish narrowly loses out to Andrea Guardini in a sprint finish in the 18th stage of the Giro d'Italia.

A few cricket scores at tea - Derbyshire are 257-6 in their first innings against Essex. Wes Durston is not out on 115. Meanwhile, Kent are 309-5 against Leicestershire.

Nick Barmby loses his appeal against the decision to sack him as Hull manager. Barmby was initially suspended on 30 April over comments made about the Championship club's finances and a lack of funds made available to strengthen during the January transfer window.

A statement on the Hull Daily Mail's website from the club's chairman Assem Allam reads: "Having heard Nick Barmby's internal appeal and following a full review of the facts during a detailed and thorough meeting with him, I have decided to uphold the vice chairman's decision to dismiss Nick for the reasons previously stated."

Liverpool's owners announce the appointment of Billy Hogan as chief commercial officer and a new corporate relations and communications director in former Sports Illustrated senior editor Jen Chang.

At the BMW PGA Championship, four birdies and an eagle through 12 holes propels the Republic of Ireland's Peter Lawrie to the top of the leaderboard. Justin Rose is a shot back on five under after the Englishman hit five birdies after 10 holes. Spain's Rafa Cabrera-Bello is also five under through 11.

Luke Donald is two under heading onto the 12th tee after dropping two shots around the turn.

BBC Sport exclusive by Richard Conway: Goal-line technology to be tested at Wembley Stadium during England v Belgium friendly, 2 June. More on the BBC Sport website soon

Aaron Cook's former team-mate John Cullen tells BBC Sport's Nick Hope that not selecting the European Champion for the GB Olympic team would be like 'Barcelona not picking Lionel Messi for a Champions League final'.

GB Taekwondo were due to reveal their Olympic squad on Friday, but have postponed an announcement until further notice and reports in the media suggest Cook is having to appeal against a decision to name another athlete in the -80kg division for London 2012.

Joleon Lescott says there will be no issue in the England squad over the presence of John Terry. The Chelsea defender was picked ahead of Rio Ferdinand.

"There is no animosity in the squad. We are all here for the same reason and that is to do well for England," he said.

"It's a shame he (Ferdinand) is not in the squad but it was the manager's decision. I don't think it was an easy choice to make picking his squad."

Usain Bolt is confident of threatening his three-year-old world record of 9.58secs by the time London 2012 arrives.

"If I'm in great shape nobody will beat me in London, that's for sure," he said. "If I'm as fit as I want to be then I think I'll be in better shape than I've ever been. I guess if I'm in great shape, with a good start, it should be a world record.

Bolt opens his European season in Ostrava on Friday.

McLaren's Jenson Button is fastest in the second practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix. You can read more here.

Graeme McDowell cards a two-over-par 74 in the opening round of the BMW PGA Championship. The US Open champion's round was blighted by an eight on the par-five last after being docked two shots when his ball moved as he walked up to it after hitting his drive into the trees.

Leigh Centurions captain John Duffyis awarded a three-month testimonial by the Rugby Football League to mark his 15 years as a professional.

The 32-year-old, a Scotland international who made his debut for Warrington at the age of16, also played for Widnes, Salford, Whitehaven and Chorley before beginning a third spell at Leigh in 2010.

James Milner also believes the success of Manchester City and Chelsea recently can only be of benefit to the England national team.

"Our players are going to the tournament high on confidence," he said. "Winning is a habit and you want to get into those habits of winning trophies and get into that winning mentality.

"Players have had a taste and had a good season, others are at clubs that haven't won the Premier League or Champions League but have had good seasons individually or positive seasons with their clubs. It's only a good thing for us as a team going out there to Poland."

James Milner on new England boss Roy Hodgson's management style: "Every manager has their own styles and their own way of dealing with things.

"The current manager has spoken to a lot of the lads and said what he expects of them and explained how he wants us to play. Individually, he has also pulled a few to the side and explained what he sees going forward.

"The current manager has his own style and it very different to the old one but that doesn't say one is right and one is wrong. You have to get as much as you can out of these managers because you can only learn from them."

More from England midfielder James Milner, as he talks about Gary Neville's involvement on the training pitch:

"It is great to have him involved. He will bring a lot to the squad. His experiences as a player at club and international level can only help. He will say it how it is and also say what isn't easy to at times and I think that is invaluable to have that."

England midfielder James Milner has been speaking to the press after new boss Roy Hodgson's training session held at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium. "We had a good couple of sessions, quite tough. We had a few days off and he wants to get across how we set up and how we play. We have had a good couple of sessions and the lads are getting pretty clear on what he wants. The lads are feeling ready to go and we are getting the best of the weather here. It prepares us for being out there and the Chelsea lads are getting a bit of a rest which is much needed."

West Indies captain Darren Sammy says the tourists could include off-spinner Shane Shillingford in the second Test at Trent Bridge tomorrow, while paceman Ravi Rampaul may return from injury. "Looking at our attack, playing on flat pitches over the last year or so, a spinner has always been in our line-up, and we've gone with the two quick men and myself, and that has been successful for us," he says. "The way [Kemar]Roach is bowling and the inclusion of Ravi, that could be a very good combination for us."

QPR's 19-year-old defender Michael Harriman signs a new two-year contract.

Joint clubhouse leader Ernie Els, discussing both his own game and his role of course designer on the changes at Wentworth: "It's a tricky golf course. It's getting firmer with fairway bunkers - you've got to watch out for them. I feel a lot more comfortable on the greens so I feel ok, anything under 70 you should be pleased with. I think we're there now, there are some really nice scoring opportunities, if you hit the correct shot you're going to get rewarded and if you don't you'll get penalised."

London Irish replace prop Faan Rautenbach, who is to leave the Exiles this summer after seven years at the club, by signing Ospreys tighthead Cai Griffiths.

World number one Rory McIlroy finishes with an opening round of 74, two-over the card, at Wentworth in the PGA Championship. Playing partner Ernie Els is the fourth man to return a 68 on day one, which currently leads the event.

The European Tour announces a new sponsorship deal to secure the future of the Austrian Open for the next three years. The Diamond Country Club near Vienna has staged the last two tournaments and will again be the venue this year from 25-28 July.

Just a reminder that Jonathan Agnew and the team will bring you live commentary on Test Match Special from 10:45 BST tomorrow on BBC 5 live sports extra.

England captain Andrew Strauss insists his team will not be complacent when they take a 1-0 lead into the second of the three-Test series against West Indies, which starts at Trent Bridge tomorrow. "The West Indies put up a really good fight, there're times when they made life difficult for us and we were relieved to a certain extent to get over the line and win that game, but we're also aware we have to do it again this week if we want to win," he says. "It's all about just keeping our feet on the ground and making sure that we're willing to do the hard graft necessary to get on top again."

World number one Rory McIlroy picks up a birdie at the long par-five 17th at Wentworth and is two over, now six shots off the lead at the PGA Championship.

Olympic and World champion Usain Bolt tells BBC Radio 5 live that he agrees with suggestions he is the saviour of athletics. "A lot of people have said it, so maybe it's true," said the 25-year-old Jamaica sprinter. "I've done a great deal for the sport. After Beijing 2008, I tried to put the fire into the sport." You can listen to the full interview from 19:30 BST on BBC Radio 5 live's London Calling.

Six players now lead on four under at Wentworth, while an exasperated world number one Rory McIlroy drops to three over with two holes to play.

Ernie Els is suffering a bit in the heat at Wentworth. He had reached six under but has dropped shots at the 14th and 15th and is now in a group of three at four under, with Andrew Dodt leading at five under. Rory McIlroy is still one over after 14, with an eagle, two birdies and five bogeys in a mixed bag thus far.

Britain's Heather Watson completes a 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 win over Ons Jabeur of Tunisia in their second-round qualifier for the French Open. The 20-year-old will play Italy's Anna Floris tomorrow for a place in the main draw at Roland Garros.

More fitness news from the England training session in Manchester, Danny Welbeck leaves the session before the scheduled close but Spurs midfielder Scott Parker comes through unscathed following recent Achilles trouble.

Wigan chairman Dave Whelan reveals a deadline will be given to manager Roberto Martinez to finalise his future. "Roberto will be in Barbados until next Tuesday and I will then set a seven-day deadline by which time I will expect a decision," Whelan says.

Bolton confirm away friendlies against Crewe Alexandra, Morecambe, Portsmouth and Tranmere Rovers.

Britain's Heather Watson wins the first set on a tie-break against Tunisia's Ons Jabeur in her second-round qualifer for the French Open. Compatriot Laura Robson is in action later today against Frenchwoman Laura Thorpe.

Australian Andrew Dodt joins Ernie Els at five under at Wentworth. The 26-year-old from Queensland has only played six holes, parring the first and picking up birdies at the next five.

Scot Marc Warren is the clubhouse leader at Wentworth after signing for a four-under-par 68. Out on the course, Ian Poulter (after 11) and Graeme McDowell (after 12) are both two under while Lee Westwood birdies the 13th to get back to one under.

Local resident and course advisor Ernie Els puts his knowledge to good use and birdies the 12th to reach five under and take a one-shot lead at the PGA Championship at Wentworth.

England full-back Glen Johnson plays only a brief part in today's training session at Manchester City's Etihad Stadium before leaving the field for treatment on an infected toe.

Wigan Athletic chairman Dave Whelan on whether another Premier League club would sign Joey Barton if QPR decide to sack him: "I don't think so. A Championship club? Yes. A 12-game ban is very fair. I hope Joey can sit down and take it all on board and think about it. There's no question he's a talented player but he's got a very short fuse."

Rory McIlroy puts his second shot out of bounds at the par-five 12th at Wentworth. He then hurls his club to the turf after a poorly directed shot with his provisional ball. The Northern Irishman is currently one over, five shots off the lead.

Team GB might have a few selection difficulties but nothing will compare to the Japanese comedian who dresses up as a cat but wants to run the Olympic marathon - for Cambodia. "We look for the potential athletes, the excellent ones," says the Cambodian Olympic chief. #olympicthursday

World number one Rory McIlroy bogeys three successive holes around the turn to drop to level par after 10 at the PGA Championship at Wentworth. Northern Ireland compatriot Graeme McDowell is also level. England's Lee Westwood bogeys the 11th to go to one over. Ian Poulter is one under after an eagle, a birdie and two bogeys in his opening six holes. Ernie Els continues to lead on four under after 10.

Members of Great Britain women's beach volleyball team have been in action at Parliament Square in London. They were taking part in a campaign showing how London traffic was likely to be busier during the London 2012 Olympics.

The first practice session at the Monaco Grand Prix comes to a premature conclusion after the engine in Heikki Kovalainen's Caterham blows up in the tunnel. The early end means Fernando Alonso is quickest round the tight road track. Lewis Hamilton is the best-placed Brit in fourth. Second practice begins at 13:00 BST.

A note of caution perhaps...West Indies are unbeaten in all eight of their previous Test matches against England at Trent Bridge. The tourists have won four and drawn four. However, this is their first visit to Trent Bridge since August 1995.

England take on West Indies in the second Test, which starts on Friday at Trent Bridge. The home side have won their last three Tests in Nottingham convincingly. New Zealand were beaten by an innings in 2008, while Pakistan and India were defeated by 354 runs and 319 runs respectively over the last two years.

South Africa's Ernie Elsmoves into the lead at the PGA Championship at Wentworth with four birdies in his first seven holes. Els, who lives near the course, was behind its recent redesign.

Paris-born forward Jason Baitieri, 22, signs a new three-year contract with Catalan Dragons. He has only missed one game since making his debut at Hull KR in March 2011.

BBC Scotland's investigation into the scandal which brought Rangers to its knees is available to watch to on the iPlayer. Mark Daly reveals what went on behind the scenes in the run-up to Craig Whyte's infamous takeover in 'The Men Who Sold The Jerseys'.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso is currently quickest in the first practice session for the Monaco Grand Prix. Live pictures and text commentary with Lawrence Barretto on the BBC Sport website.

Elephants at the West Midlands Safari Park will do a "trunk salute" for the Olympic torch when the relay makes a stop there on board a steam train later on Thursday. The torch is due to be met by two female African elephants at about 16:00 BST.

World number one Rory McIlroy eagles the par-five fourth hole to move to one under par at the PGA Championship at Wentworth. Scotland's Marc Warren also eagles a par five, the 12th, to lead the way on four under.

BBC cricket correspondent Jonathan Agnew,on the fining of Kevin Pietersen for comments he made about Sky presenter Nick Knight on Twitter: "I believe KP entitled to respond to a commentator's criticism if he thinks it's unfounded. But not to question his right to work."

BBC Olympic Sports reporter Nick Hope on Twitter: "Confirmation @TeamGBTaekwondo are delaying @TeamGB squad announcement. Speculation European Champ Aaron Cook appealing after being left out."

Referees are set to be subject to drugs tests, Fifa's medical chiefs reveal. Match officials now have to pass stringent fitness tests and the world governing body's medical experts say they should also be tested to make sure they are not taking performance-enhancing substances.

Final bit from Carlisle: "Joey has done some fantastic work with regards to his anger management over the years. We have seen him make great strides as a person and the way he does conduct himself 95% of the time. But when you have a reputation it is the times that you lose it comes to the fore. Should Joey want our support we most defintitely will be there for him."

More from Carlisle: "It is when Joey sees the red mist that we need to get a control of because it sets a poor example to the thousands of kids who are watching the game."

Clarke Carlisle, chairman of the Professional Footballers' Association, talking about QPR captain Joey Barton and his 12-match ban for violent conduct, on BBC Radio 5 live: "It is not Joey Barton per se that is the problem, it is the actions he does when he loses control. It is something he has been working very hard to get on top of but obviously there is still work to go."

The first practice session for the 70th Monaco Grand Prix is under way. The BBC Sport website has live pictures from the track and live text commentary with Lawrence Barretto.

Some of the bigger names playing at the PGA Championship at Wentworth this week have begun their rounds. Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell has just birdied the fourth to go to one under, while compatriot and world number one Rory McIlroy is one over after three. Lee Westwood has birdied the fourth to go to one over. Ireland's Padraig Harrington is four over after three - he dropped three shots at the par-three second.

In the latest of our series looking at the history of the European Championship, Belgium's all-time top goalscorer Paul van Himst recalls playing in the 1972 tournament and losing in the semi-final to eventual winners West Germany. Van Himst also talks about his role in a classic war film.

Leicester are in their eight successive Premiership final on Saturday. They face Harlequins at Twickenham and in his latest blog for the BBC Sport website, Ben Dirs takes a look at how the Tigers dynasty has been built.

It is also #olympicthursday on the BBC Sport website. In the latest of our features profiling leading British athletes, Nick Hope speaks to three-time BMX world champion Shanaze Reade about how she dealt with crashing in the Beijing final four years ago.

The first practice session for the 70th Monaco Grand Prix gets under way at 09:00 BST. You can watch all the action on the BBC Sport website and live text commentary is already up and running with Lawrence Barretto.

At 07:00 BST this morning Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin hit the opening shot of this year's PGA Championship at Wentworth. He went on to bogey the first hole and is two over after five. Scottish duo Marc Warren and Greig Hutcheon and South Africa's George Coetzee are the early pacesetters on one under. Sportsday Live will have regular updates throughout the first day.

Trainer Henrietta Knight announces she is retiring from the sport. Knight, who began training in 1989, won three successive Cheltenham Gold Cups with Best Mate between 2002-04.

Istanbul, Tokyo and Madrid will compete to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics as Qatar's Doha and Azerbaijan's Baku are cut from the list. The winning host city will be named on 7 September 2013 in Buenos Aires.

England batsman Kevin Pietersen is fined for criticising Sky television commentator Nick Knight on Twitter. Pietersen is docked an undisclosed sum for comments aimed at the ex-England opener during the first Test against the West Indies at Lord's.

Chelsea are set to release both Salomon Kalou when their contracts expire in the summer. Attacking player Kalou joined from Feyenoord in 2006 for a fee believed to be in the region of £8m, while defender Bosingwa cost £16.2m from Porto in 2008.