Not only has RORY MCILROY "replaced" TIGER WOODS as the number one golfer in the world, the Northern Irishman has "assumed his role as video game star." Woods has been the face of EA Sports' PGA Tour game since '98 but "he is being succeeded" by 25-year-old McIlroy. Woods' contract with the distributor "expired" in '13 (BBC, 3/17). ... LANCE ARMSTRONG has been "warned not to take part in a Tour de France charity ride" in July by Int'l Cycling Union (UCI) President BRIAN COOKSON. Armstrong, who received a lifetime ban for doping, is "planning to ride some of the Tour route one day ahead of the race" with ex-footballer GEOFF THOMAS. But Cookson said this was "'completely disrespectful' to the current riders, cycling authorities and the race." Cookson: "Lance would be well advised not to take part in that. I'm sure Geoff Thomas means well, but frankly I think that's completely inappropriate" (BBC, 3/17). ... MARCOS AMBROSE has "apologised to fans" after making the "shock decision to stand down" from Team Penske for the next round of V8 Supercars in Tasmania. Ambrose said he needed more time to transition from NASCAR. There is "speculation that he could be considering a return to the USA." SCOTT PYE will "take over driving duties in the No. 17 DJR Team Penske Ford Falcon" for the Tasmanian round (FOX SPORTS, 3/17). ... Former Yorkshire and England cricketer BOB APPLEYARD "has died at the age of 90" (PA, 3/17). ... World heavyweight boxing champion WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO has "lashed out" at Russian President VLADIMIR PUTIN, saying that his actions in eastern Ukraine "could set off a third World War." The 38-year-old Ukrainian "made the remarks in a recent interview" as he "prepared" for a title defense against American boxer BRYANT JENNINGS on April 25 at Madison Square Garden. Asked what he would say to Putin if he "came face to face with him," Klitschko replied, "That he is making the same mistakes that have been made in the past. ... After what happened during the second World War, you just cannot go ahead and flout international laws. What is happening at the moment could set off a third World War" (SYDNEY MORNING HERALD, 3/17). ... England striker KAREN CARNEY said that becoming the first woman inducted into League Championship side Birmingham City's Hall of Fame was a "momentous occasion for the game." The 27-year-old, who is the youngest England int'l of either sex to earn 100 caps, was "added to the Hall of Fame" before Birmingham's draw with Huddersfield on Saturday (BBC, 3/16).
