Cook back in the pool.

Swimming: City of Newcastle's Commonwealth champion Chris Cook, 27, from South Shields, returns to competition at the Dutch World Championship Trials in Eindhoven at the weekend as he prepares for next week's European Short-Course Championships. Tynesider Cook claimed the 50m and 100m breaststroke titles in Melbourne but a groin injury in May hit his preparations for the European Championships and he failed to secure a medal. Now he welcomes his return to the pool ahead of the short-course championships in Helsinki, starting on December 7, which will help him gauge his progress towards the World Championships in Melbourne in March.

Facing a chase

CRICKET: A watchful half century from Mohammad Hafeez helped Pakistan to a second-innings lead of 174 over the West Indies in the third Test at Karachi. Hafeez, well supported by Younis Khan, was on 57 not out as Inzamam-ul-Haq's side strove to set the tourists up for a big chase. At stumps on day three they were 130 for two.

Hamilton cool

MOTOR RACING: Lewis Hamilton, 21, says there is no pressure on him to win in his rookie Formula One season. Hamilton completed 47 laps in his McLaren on day two of a three-day test session in Barcelona. The Briton said: "There is no pressure on me to win. The pressure will come from myself to succeed."

Regan waits

RUGBY UNION: Guinness Premiership leaders Bristol will not select Mark Regan while they wait for the outcome of his disciplinary hearing on December 4. The hooker was cited for allegedly kicking an opponent during last Friday's derby against Gloucester.

Ormond stays

CRICKET: Former England seamer James Ormond has signed for Surrey for a further year. The 29-year-old, who played two Tests for England in 2001, has been with the county since 2002 but endured an injury-ravaged summer this year in which he was limited to three County Championship matches.

Els' home hope

GOLF: Ernie Els hopes a return to his South African homeland can inspire him to play his way out of his recent slump. Els has slipped to seventh in the world rankings since he injured his knee in a water sports accident in July last year and underwent surgery. His only win in that time came at the Dunhill Championship in South Africa ( the European Tour title he defends next week ( but this week's Nedbank Golf Challenge in Sun City is a more relaxed way back.