A pain in neck for Schuey; UPDATE.

FORMULA ONE legend Michael Schumacher has admitted a neck injury is giving him problems ahead of his planned return at this month's European Grand Prix.

Since confirming his comeback in place of injured Ferrari driver Felipe Massa, Germany's seven-time world champion has been working on his fitness.

Schumacher, who will take to the track in Valencia on August 23, is still suffering soreness in his neck after a crash during a motorbike test in Spain in February.

But the 40-year-old is convinced he'll be 100 per cent on his return. He said: "I'm currently in the midst of my preparations for the upcoming race. All in all, the training is going pretty well although I have to admit my neck pinches a bit.

"We have to get a grip on that as health has priority."

SNOOKER: Scots Alan McManus, Marcus Campbell and Jamie Burnett are in action in Prestatyn today - against Dave Gilbert, Tony Drago and Joe Jogia respectively - bidding to get through the third qualifying round for next month's Shanghai Masters.

TENNIS: Jamie Murray and Jamie Delgado tackle Argentine Sergio Roitman and Rui Machado of Portugal in the opening round of the San Marino Challenger doubles today. BASKETBALL: Scottish Rocks have signed up with adidas in a lucrative kit sponsorship deal understood to be worth a potential six-figure sum over two years.

The partnership will see the German-based company, providers of all the NBA kits, supply the Rocks team jerseys as well as replica gear.

Rocks general manager Sarah Bell said: "We are delighted to have partnered with such a high-profile basketball brand.

"Through their sponsorship of the NBA, adidas are one of the most recognisable brands in basketball across the world and we are looking forward to working closely with them over the next two years."

CRICKET: Scottish chiefs have launched a probe into claims of racially-motivated abuse during Arbroath's ill-tempered SNCL First Division defeat by Dunfermline at the weekend.

SNCL administrator Stewart Oliver said: "We have received correspondence from Arbroath president Neil Burnett and are now asking for Dunfermline's views on the matter."

ICE HOCKEY: Edinburgh Capitals yesterday re-signed Slovakian hitman Martin Cingel for an eighth straight season.

Cingel claimed 32 goals and assisted in 29 other strikes as Capitals made the Elite League play-offs for the second season running. SPEEDWAY: German rookie Frank Facher will make his away debut tonight as Berwick Bandits travel to Premier League pacesetters King's Lynn.

CYCLING: Scotland's David Millar will achieve a rare hat-trick when he contests the Tour of Spain this month, having already competed in the Tours of Italy and France this season.

CAPTION(S):

FERRARI RETURN: Michael Schumacher