Canada has won a key fight in its high-profile international campaign

Canada has won a key fight in its high-profile international campaign against a global bank tax as G20 finance ministers Saturday approved a plan that allows countries to manage the issue as they see fit.Proponents of such a tax ­ including the United States and Europe ­ are free to go it alone, but the new plan allows the rest of the G20 to avoid the controversial idea and find other ways to reduce banking risks.

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal set to clash

Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will face each other again in Sunday's final of the Madrid Masters after both won their semis in the three sets.

Nadal overcame the loss of the first set to beat Nicolas Almagro 4-6 6-2 6-2, while his great rival overcame a David Ferrer fightback to win 7-5 3-6 6-3.

Nadal, who is now 14-0 on clay this season following his recent victories in Monte Carlo and Rome, moved to within one match of winning a record 18th Masters title with a battling success against his compatriot.

However, he needed to overcome a string of early errors to edge past the unseeded Almagro, eventually pulling through in two hours and 15 minutes.

World No.1 Tiger Woods set for The Open

World No.1 Tiger Woods has confirmed he has added The Open at St Andrews to his schedule - despite struggling with a neck injury.

The 34-year-old has been sidelined with an inflamed joint in his neck and although he is expected to make a full recovery, Woods has yet to confirm a return date.

"I now need to take care of this condition and will return to playing golf when I'm physically able," Woods said in a statement.

However, the American has confirmed via his website that he will compete at the Open, which runs from July 15-18.

Woods, who will be aiming to become first player to become a three-time Open champion in Scotland after his victories in 2000 and 2005, is also pencilled in to defend his title at the Memorial tournament in June.

Western Force coach John Mitchell dismisses rumours

Western Force coach John Mitchell has dismissed reports he is set to take over the reins at the struggling Lions - although he is in talks to assist their Currie Cup side.

Mitchell is set to leave the Force at the end of the 2011 season, however he insists he is not planning to leave the Perth-based franchise before then.

Mitchell had been linked to the Lions, with current coach Dick Muir under intense pressure following a miserable winless campaign.

But although Mitchell has held discussions over helping out the Lions in the domestic Currie Cup - which runs from July to October - he claims that the rumours he will take over the running of the Super 14 side are wide of the mark.

"I'm here right until the end of my contract so I'll be coaching the Western Force next year," Mitchell told AAP.

Ravi Bopara gets Lions chance

Ravi Bopara has been drafted into the England Lions team to face Bangladesh as a replacement for the injured Michael Carberry.

Essex batsman Bopara will get the chance to push his claims for a Test recall in the four-day fixture against the tourists, which gets underway on May 19.

The 25-year-old was part of England's squad that won the ICC World Twenty20 tournament in the Caribbean.

He played in one match during their victorious campaign having missed the start of the domestic season due to his Indian Premier League commitments.

Bopara has not featured in a Test match since England's defeat to Australia at Headingley during last year's Ashes series on home soil.

James don't know who's No.1 ranks

David James has revealed he 'genuinely doesn't know' where he ranks among the England goalkeepers in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad.

The Portsmouth veteran has been selected in Capello's provisional 30-man squad for the tournament and is jostling with Robert Green and Joe Hart to be first choice.

James was part of the squad at the last two World Cups, providing the cover to David Seaman in 2002 before being Paul Robinson's understudy in 2006.

The 39-year-old admits it is frustrating to be part of the squad and not play in the tournament, and is unsure if he will be in for a similar experience in South Africa next month.

The captains of the four countries participating in the Asia Cup

The captains of the four countries participating in the Asia Cup, which begins in Dambulla on Tuesday, have said the tournament is ideal for their World Cup preparations, in terms of identifying the right blend of youth and experience and building confidence.

Unlike the last edition in Pakistan in 2008, this one features only the four Test-playing Asian nations and no Associates, making it more competitive. India and Sri Lanka have bolstered their squads with senior players, after resting them for the tour of Zimbabwe which just concluded.