The case that included James Bond-style gadgetry has been closed by Bulgarian authorities, writes Michael Thurston

ROBERT HEFFERNAN will be looking for the performance of a lifetime when he faces double European champion, Francisco Fernandez, in the 5,000m walk at the Irish Indoor Championships at the Odyssey Arena in Belfast tomorrow, with Gillian O’Sullivan also looking for something special.

The alleged poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko recalls the case of Bulgarian dissident Georgi Markov, who was assassinated nearly 30 years ago.

BULGARIA’S new coach Hristo Stoichkov has recalled defender Radostin Kishishev for their friendly against Ireland on August 18 at Lansdowne Road.

Bulgaria boss Plamen Markov today received a treble fitness boost on the eve of his team’s Euro 2004 opener against Sweden at Estadio Jose Alvalade tomorrow.

LIVERPOOL surged into the last 16 of the UEFA Cup with the sort of rewarding display which will lift the pressure from manager Gerard Houllier.

LIVERPOOL'S maligned stars gave Gerard Houllier the lifeline he so desperately needed on a night when anything but a convincing victory would have given further ammunition to his detractors.

UEFA Cup latest:

UEFA Cup latest:

UEFA Cup latest:

BLACKBURN have revealed midfielder David Dunn does not see his long-term future at Ewood Park after turning down the opportunity of a new contract with the club.

SIX terror suspects were being questioned by Scotland Yard detectives last night after traces of the deadly poison ricin were discovered.

Dmitriy Markov gave Australia their first gold medal of the World Championships with a superb victory in the pole vault on Thursday.