Sportswide

INDIANAPOLIS 500 winner Dario Franchitti today dedicated his triumph to the last Scot to win the famous Borg-Warner trophy - Formula One legend Jim Clark.

He said: "I think he's a hero for any Scottish driver and one of the best drivers in the world ever."

Franchitti captured his first Indy victory when the race, which lasted just 165 laps, ended prematurely due to torrential rain at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Franchitti was the leader when the race restarted on lap 162 before 20-year-old Marco Andretti crashed along the backstretch, prompting the delay.

"I can hardly believe it," said Franchitti, the first Scot to emulate Clark's victory in 1965.

"Now I know what it means to win this race.

"To see the great names that are on there is a humbling experience."

Franchitti has also turned a room in his new house into a shrine to fellow Scot Clark. Parker downs the leaders

SHANE PARKER top scored with 14 points as Glasgow Tigers edged speedway's Premier League leaders Sheffield 50-43 at Ashfield.

Tigers' Aussie skipper dropped his only point in the final race to arch-rival Andre Compton.

Earlier, Parker had edged the Sheffield captain in Heat 12, producing a stunning last-gasp pass just as Compton looked likely to take the chequered flag.

Tigers lost the bonus point on an aggregate of 99-88 - but managed to maintain their 100% home Premier League record.

Parker said: "Racking up maximums is a great feeling but it doesn't mean a great deal if you don't win the match. But we've beaten a strong side." Brooke serious' after fall

FORMER All Blacks star Zinzan Brooke, 42, is recovering in a Spanish hospital after suffering serious head injuries said to have happened when he fell while getting out of a taxi.

The loose-forward, who played 58 rugby Tests for New Zealand, has undergone surgery to relieve pressure on the brain.

Brother Robin said the injuries are not life-threatening. It's a wet wait for Timmy

TIM HENMAN begins his assault on the French Open tomorrow.

Constant rain spoiled much of yesterday's opening day, and more rain is forecast for the next four days, so Henman's first-round clash against Latvian Ernests Gulbis could stretch into Wednesday.

Henman has had an injury-plagued tennis season, but says he is "raring to go" after training with world No.1 Roger Federer.

GOLF: Denmark's Anders Hansen won the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth.

Of 14 Scots who took part in the £3m event, three made the cut. Colin Montgomerie and Marc Warren tied for 30th, to earn £23,250, while Andrew Oldcorn was back in 47th place. Elementary for Watson

SCOTLAND cricket captain Ryan Watson led his side to a shock 10-run victory over Lancashire in a rain-affected Friends Provident Trophy clash at Old Trafford.

Watson blasted 41 off 43 balls to lift his side to 142 for seven in a shortened 22-over contest.

The bowlers then did a fine job to restrict the county side - minus England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff - to 132 and claim their first victory in the tournament. Carlton top the SCNL Premier Division after a thrilling one-run victory over Grange. FIA probe McLaren win

FORMULA ONE'S governing body, the FIA, will investigate McLaren's victory at the Monaco Grand Prix after boss Ron Dennis orchestrated a team procession.

Fernando Alonso led home team-mate Lewis Hamilton in a contrived one-two and the FIA will consider look into a "possible breach of the international sporting code."

Dennis said the outcome was team strategy rather than team orders.