Boxing: Max Schmeling, the former world heavyweight champion, has died aged 99. Schmeling held the title from 1930 to 1932, but is best remembered for his two epic bouts with Joe Louis, stopping the American in 1936 and being knocked out in a 1938 rematch. While Schmeling was seen by some as a front for Nazi Germany, in fact he refused to join the Nazi party.

He inspired modern boxers, most notably Vitali Klitschko, the WBC heavyweight champion, and his brother, Wladimir, who got to know him well when they moved from Ukraine to Germany.

Montgomerie joy

Golf: Colin Montgomerie had a round of 65 at the Heineken Classic in Melbourne yesterday, giving him a share of the halfway lead with Peter Lonard, of Australia, on nine under par. At the FBR Open in Phoenix, Phil Mickelson posted a 60 to claim a share of the second-round lead at nine under par with Kevin Na. He missed out on 59 by failing to birdie the last par-five.

Dott advances

Snooker: Graeme Dott, the world No 15, maintained his smooth progress through the Malta Cup yesterday. Less than 24 hours after defeating Ronnie O’Sullivan 5-0 in 57 minutes, the Scot adapted to a slower pace against Steve Davis and won 5-1 to reach the semi-finals.

Doubles delight

Badminton: Nathan Robertson and Gail Emms, the Olympic silver medal-winners and now ranked No 1 in the world, beat Robin Middleton and Sarah Bok 15-1, 15-3 at the English National Championships in Manchester yesterday.

Hooray Hendry

Snooker: Stephen Hendry, for a record fourth time, compiled centuries in three consecutive frames, 138, 103 and 108, during his 5-1 win over Tom Ford in the quarter-finals of the Malta Cup in Portomaso last night. He now meets Alan McManus and Graeme Dott, who beat Steve Davis 5-1, will play John Higgins.

Smith prolific

Hockey: Jane Smith, the former England and Great Britain international, scored all five goals in Slough’s 5-3 victory over Ipswich in the final of the Higgins Group indoor club championship at Crystal Palace, their fourth triumph in five years.

Bleby’s treble

Hockey: Jon Bleby scored a hat-trick to help Loughborough Students to secure a third successive title when they beat East Grinstead 8-4 in the final at the Higgins Group indoor club championships at Crystal Palace last night.