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■ MEDIA
Video restrictions relaxed
International news agencies reached an agreement on Monday with organizers of the Rugby World Cup on relaxing restrictions for posting video on Web sites. Under the deal, The Associated Press, Reuters, Agence France-Presse and other agencies that cover tournament news conferences, training sessions and other non-match activities can now distribute as much of their video as they think their subscribers need. Previously, rugby officials had sought to limit the agencies to three minutes of video per day of the 20-nation championship in France.

■ ARGENTINA
Agustin Pichot injured
Argentina scrumhalf and skipper Agustin Pichot was ruled out of yesterday's World Cup clash against Georgia in Lyon because of a leg injury. The veteran international, who played in the shock 17-12 win over France, will be replaced by Nicolas Miranda. "Agustin Pichot will not play on Tuesday," Argentina assistant coach Daniel Baetti said. "He is more tired than really injured but he will be ready for the next match [against Namibia on Sept. 22]."

■ Australia
Cameron Shepherd called up
Australia have called up utility back Cameron Shepherd to replace the injured Mark Gerrard for the rest of the World Cup. Gerrard will return to Australia this week after rupturing his knee in Saturday's 91-3 victory over Japan in Lyon. A spokesman for the Wallabies said Shepherd would join the Australia team in Cardiff tomorrow ahead of their next game against Wales on Saturday. Shepherd, 23, is a fullback or winger who has played five Tests for Australia.

■ Ireland
Brian O'Driscoll fit
Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll has given his beleaguered team a boost ahead of Saturday's World Cup match against Georgia after he was passed fit to play. The inspirational center hyper-extended his elbow during Ireland's disappointing 32-17 victory over part-timers Namibia on Sunday, but following tests he has been cleared for the next pool D game in Bordeaux. O'Driscoll was originally a doubt for Ireland's first two World Cup matches after suffering a fractured sinus from an unprovoked punch during a warm-up match against French club side Bayonne last month. But having made a quicker than expected recovery he sent his countrymen's pulses racing again on Sunday when emerging from the dressing-rooms with ice strapped to his elbow.

■ South Africa
Schalk Burger cited
South Africa backrow forward Schalk Burger could miss the crucial Group A World Cup clash with world champions England after being cited for a dangerous tackle during Sunday's 59-7 walloping of Samoa. The 24-year-old -- named 2004 IRB player of the year -- has been cited following his head-high tackle on Samoa scrumhalf Junior Poluleuligaga, tournament organizers announced.
■ OLYMPICS
Cabinet approves Tokyo bid
Japan's Cabinet yesterday approved Tokyo's bid to host the 2016 Summer Olympics, paving the way for Japan's capital to formally submit its candidacy with the IOC. "The Olympics are the celebration of culture and peace," Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara said in a statement following the approval. Japan's central government will bear up to half the cost for building major facilities for the games, but said organizers should try to utilize existing facilities to cut costs. The IOC is expected to announce a final list of applicant cities for the 2016 Games on Friday. In June next year, the IOC will draw a short list and then select a host city in October 2009.

■ SUMO
Hakuho bulldozes Kakuryu
Grand champion Hakuho took just seconds to overpower Kakuryu on the third day of the Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament in Tokyo yesterday. In the day's final bout at Ryogoku Kokugikan, the Mongolian yokozuna bulldozed the rank-and-filer out of the ring, improving his record to 2-1. Hakuho is the clear favorite in autumn sumo with the sport's other grand champion, Asashoryu, sitting out the 15-day tournament. Asashoryu is serving a two-tournament suspension. But among early leaders at the Autumn tourney is ozeki Chiyotaikai, who defended his 3-0 record, downing Dejima in a furious slapping match that sent the rank-and-filer twirling from the ring. Rank-and-filer Tochinonada handed Kotooshu his first loss, winning a rematch against the Bulgarian ozeki after the wrestlers crashed onto the dirt at the same time. After judges ordered a rematch, Tochinonada brought Kotooshu down with a powerful throw.

■ CYCLING
Brown leads in Poland
Graeme Brown of Australia claimed the overall lead at the Tour de Pologne on Monday by winning the second stage. The Rabobank rider finished the 202.4km stage from Plonsk to Olsztyn, Poland, in 4 hours, 50 minutes, 46 seconds. Quick Step rider Wouter Weylandt of Belgian was second, three seconds behind, and Said Haddou of France was third, a further three seconds behind. The results of the team race in the first stage do not count in the overall standings.

■ SOCCER
Ronaldo's therapy probed
The Italian Olympic Committee's anti-doping prosecutor has indicated he may open an investigation into a genetic therapy being used to treat the injured thigh of AC Milan forward Ronaldo. "I'm waiting for news, and it's not been said that we won't open an inquiry," prosecutor Ettore Torri told the ANSA news agency Monday. Ronaldo is receiving the therapy -- called "growth factor," which uses a natural protein to stimulate cell proliferation -- in Brazil under the supervision of national team physician Jose Luis Runco. The practice is banned in Italy.

■ CYCLING
Vuelta leader wins stage 10
Overall leader Denis Menchov won the 10th stage of the Spanish Vuelta on Monday. The Rabobank team worked hard up the final stretch of the ascent in the Pyrenees to set Menchov up for a final assault, with the Russian finishing the 214km ride to Vallnord, Andorra, in 5 hours, 47 minutes, 5 seconds. Menchov, who won the Spanish classic in 2005, retained the leader's gold jersey with an overall time of 39:41:51.

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