MEN’S ICE HOCKEY: New signing Chase Pearson netted twice as Nottingham Panthers shrugged off their poor start to the Challenge Cup campaign by easing to a 6-1 win at Guildford in their opening Elite League match. 

Last season’s play-off champions will top the table on goal difference for a fortnight as attention now reverts to the Cup with Cardiff taking on Manchester tomorrow evening before holders Belfast meet Glasgow on Saturday. 

MEN’S FOOTBALL: Holders Newcastle will face Tottenham at St James’ Park in the English League Cup fourth round after they brushed aside Bradford 4-1 on Tuesday night. 

The other last-16 ties see League Two’s Grimsby host Brentford, Wrexham meet Cardiff, Brighton at Arsenal, last season’s runners-up Liverpool facing Crystal Palace, Wycombe against Fulham, Chelsea travelling to Wolves and Swansea taking on Manchester City.

MEN’S RUGBY LEAGUE: Former England and British international Chris Hill has announced that he will retire at the end of the season. 

The 37-year-old began his professional career at Leigh before making over 550 senior appearances after joining Warrington, Huddersfield, Salford and Bradford. 

While at Warrington the Wigan-born forward captained the team to the 2016 Super League leaders shield and won the Challenge Cup in 2019.

MEN’S BASKETBALL: The second round of Super League matches tip off tonight with Leicester looking to hit back from their opening day defeat against defending champions London when they host Sheffield. 

London take on a Bristol team that enjoyed a 78-60 victory over Sheffield while Newcastle, fresh from a 109-104 success over Caledonia, are up against Cheshire Phoenix. Cheshire followed up a 92-89 loss at Manchester with Tuesday’s 88-83 defeat in London.