Scotland’s doubles expert Jamie Murray has revealed he will pair up with Max Mirnyi next year. Murray, 21, won four doubles titles with American Eric Butorac in 2007 but their partnership ended after the US Open. Butorac and Murray had tagged themselves ’Booty and Stretch’ and looked to have a bright future as a partnership before splitting. In the second half of the year Murray entered doubles events with James Blake, Mahesh Bhupathi, Jordan Kerr, Mark Knowles and brother Andy. Belarus player Mirnyi, nicknamed ‘The Beast’, now looks set to be his regular partner for 2008.

Kirsten named

Former South Africa batsman Gary Kirsten has emerged as the leading candidate to become the new coach of India. He was interviewed for the post on Monday, and it is believed a two-year contract has been agreed in principle.

Sailing success

BMW Oracle have won their New York Supreme Court battle to be recognised as the Challenger of Record for the 33rd America’s Cup.The American team, sailing for the Golden Gate Yacht Club, initiated legal proceedings against Cup holders Alinghi on the grounds that the Swiss entry had acted illegally in appointing Spanish team Desafio Espanyol as the Challenger of Record.Their contention, as supported by the court ruling, was that Desafio, based at Club Nautico Espanol de Vela (CNEV), was ineligible to hold the post – in which it would collaborate with the Cup holder to decide the rules and format of the next race – and therefore should be stripped of the position.

Cash jackpot

London made more than £120m from hosting the start of this year’s Tour de France.Spectators, teams and race organisers spent an estimated £88m while media coverage generated another £35m, Transport for London (TfL) have confirmed.London paid the Amaury Sport Organisation, the Tour organisers, £1.5m for the privilege of hosting the start and talks have already begun for it to return before the London 2012 Olympics.

Redskin dies

Washington Redskins star Sean Taylor has died in a Miami hospital after being shot in the leg at his home in the city. The 24-year-old passed away after undergoing nearly six hours of emergency surgery to repair a severed femoral artery.All-Pro safety Taylor was shot in the leg by an intruder attempting to break into his home in Palmetto Bay, a suburb of Miami.