MICHAEL HOEY claimed his second European Tour title yesterday with a two-stroke victory at the Madeira Islands Open.

A total of 127 defendants has been named in 16 indictments in the US after one of the largest Mafia takedowns in FBI history.

THE search is finally over for Abel Madariaga, whose pregnant wife was kidnapped by Argentine security forces 33 years ago.

Robert Karlsson had his third eagle of the week the moment he resumed the Italian Open with a two-stroke lead in Milan today.

New York mafia bosses discussed killing Rudy Giuliani in 1986 when he was a mob-busting federal prosecutor, according to testimony in the murder trial of a former FBI agent.

FORMER New York mayor Rudolph Giuliani, who won worldwide respect for his handling of the aftermath of September 11, was once the target of a Mafia assassination plot, it was reported yesterday.

SCOTLAND defender Jackie McNamara has called for referee Claude Colombo to be strong during his side’s make-or-break Euro 2004 qualifier with Lithuania.

HOLDERS Britain and Ireland carry a virtually unassailable lead into the final round of the Jacques Leglise Trophy t Lahinch today after defeating Continent of Europe 9½ to 2½ on the opening day of foursomes and singles matchplay.