Reuters Sports Schedule at 1400 GMT on Friday April 29

Reuters

Reuters sports schedule at 1400 GMT on Friday: SOCCER Platini appears before top tribunal to appeal six-year ban LAUSANNE, Switzerland - Suspended UEFA president Michel Platini appeared before sport's highest tribunal to appeal against his six-year ban from soccer and said he was optimistic he would win his case, with FIFA ex-president Sepp Blatter among the witnesses. (SOCCER-FIFA/PLATINI, (PIX, TV), moved, by Brian Homewood, 400 words) English Premier League LONDON - We bring you the latest team news ahead of the weekend's fixtures as Leicester City bid to clinch the title with a win over Manchester United at Old Trafford. (SOCCER-ENGLAND-TEAM/ expect throughout, 300 words) MOTOR RACING Russian Formula One Grand Prix Hamilton fastest in free practice SOCHI, Russia -Triple world champion Lewis Hamilton boosted his morale with the fastest lap in practice after Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg had set the early pace and Ferrari suffered reliability problems. (MOTOR-F1-RUSSIA/PRACTICE, (PIX), moved with updates to follow, by Alan Baldwin, 400 words) We will also have stories from around the paddock. GOLF Ryder Cup captains discuss expectations for Hazeltine clash NEW YORK - Ryder Cup captains Davis Love III and Darren Clarke talk about the pressures and expectations ahead of the upcoming Ryder Cup in Minnesota where Europe will look for their seventh win over the U.S. team in eight meetings. (GOLF-RYDER/CAPTAINS (INTERVIEW, TV), expect by 2000 GMT/4 PM ET, by Larry Fine, 600 words) PGA Tour: Zurich Classic of New Orleans (to May 1) Stuard one ahead at weather-disrupted event Brian Stuard held a one-shot lead after firing a flawless eight-under-par 64 at the TPC Louisiana where the opening round, severely disrupted by heavy thunderstorms, has spilled over into a second day. (GOLF-PGA/ (PIX), expect by 0030 GMT/8:30 PM ET, 400 words) LPGA Tour: Texas Shootout, Irving, Texas (to May 1) South Korean Hur Mi-Jung, after opening with a five-under 66, takes a one-shot lead into the second round of the LPGA event at the Los Colinas Country Club. (GOLF-LPGA/, expect by 0100 GMT/9 PM ET, 300 words) NBA Raptors try to deliver knockout punch to Pacers The Toronto Raptors look to clinch the franchise's first seven-game playoff series when they host an Indian Pacers team facing a do-or-die Game Six. (NBA-PLAYOFFS/RAPTORS, expect by 0215 GMT/10:15 PM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 400 words) Heat staring at elimination, face must-win Game Six The Miami Heat need a win over the Hornets in Charlotte to force a decisive seventh game in their first round playoff series. (NBA-PLAYOFFS/HORNETS, expect by 0245 GMT/10:45 PM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 400 words) Trail Blazers look to punch ticket to second round The Portland Trail Blazers host the injury-hit Los Angeles Clippers needing a win to advance to the second round of the playoffs where they would face defending champions Golden State. (NBA-PLAYOFFS/TRAILBLAZERS, expect by 0515 GMT/1:15 AM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 400 words) NHL Stars clash with Blues in series opener Western Conference top seeds Dallas host the opening game of their second round series against the St. Louis Blues, who are brimming with confidence after eliminating defending Stanley Cup champions Chicago in the previous round. (NHL-PLAYOFFS/STARS, expect by 0300 GMT/11 PM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 400 words) Predators try to take bite out of Sharks The Nashville Predators, fresh off a Game Seven victory over the Anaheim Ducks, visit the San Jose Sharks in the opening game of their second round Stanley Cup playoffs series. (NHL-PLAYOFFS/SHARKS, expect by 0245 GMT/10:45 PM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 400 words) BASEBALL Streaking Mets host Giants The New York Mets try to extend their win streak to seven games when they host the San Francisco Giants in one of 15 games on the Major League Baseball schedule. (BASEBALL-HIGHLIGHTS/, expect by 0245 GMT/10:45 PM ET, by The Sports Xchange, 800 words) NORTH AMERICAN SPORTS Roundups of off-field developments in the major North American professional sports leagues. (expect by 0001 GMT/8:01 PM ET, 500 words) (Asia desk editor: Peter Rutherford)