Mark Selby is coming into form at just the right time with the defence of his UK Championship crown starting later this month.

The Jester from Leicester won his first title of the season on Sunday when he fought back from 3-1 down to beat Ronnie O'Sullivan 4-3 in a dramatic final at the Antwerp Open European Tour event, in Belgium.

A cool clearance in the deciding frame earned Selby the 25,000 Euro top prize in front of an enthusiastic crowd of 1,200 at the Lotto Arena.

O'Sullivan won the opening frame with a break of 74, and the second went down to the colours, Selby taking it with a long pot on the blue.

O'Sullivan regained the lead with a run of 54, then stole frame four with a fine clearance from the penultimate red to go 3-1 ahead.

Selby dominated the next with 52 and 61, then made a superb 126 for 3-3.

World champion O'Sullivan had the first clear chance in the decider but missed a black off its spot at 36-0.

That proved his last shot as Selby's 77 gave him the title.

"Any time you play Ronnie you have to be on your game," said world No.2 Selby.

"From 3-1 down I played really well. I never give up but I didn't expect to get another chance in the decider."

O'Sullivan said: "I never like losing but it is part of sport.

"There are a lot more tournaments coming up and I hope I'll get a victory soon.

"I'm just enjoying being involved in big games."

Ben Woollaston did his best to make it an all-Leicester final but bowed out 4-2 against O'Sullivan in the semi-finals.

In the earlier rounds, Selby had beaten man-of-the-moment Ding Junhui 4-1 in the last eight, the Chinese ace having won the previous three events.

Selby also beat Judd Trump 4-3 in the last 32, despite the Bristolian firing in a maximum 147 break, the first of his career.

Leicester Lions will fulfil their ambition next year of racing in the Elite League.

The club's application to join the top tier was granted at the three-day AGM of the British Speedway Promoters' Association.

The Lions have operated in the Premier League, the middle tier of the sport, since returning to speedway in 2011.

But they will now become part of a 10-club structure in the Elite League, which will be made up of the current teams apart from Peterborough, who have announced their decision to withdraw.

Each team will meet twice – home and away – during the season, with an agreed cut-off date of September 22 for all fixtures to be completed to enable the play-offs to be arranged.

All 10 clubs will have two British riders at reserve for the season to enhance the development of home-grown talent, and Leicester will retain their normal Saturday race night.

Their alternative race day will be by arrangement to avoid potential problems for teams visiting the Jordan Road Surfacing Stadium on a Saturday, or to accommodate a possible live television screening.

"We are delighted that our application was accepted and we would like to thank the Elite League for welcoming Leicester into the fold," said Lions co-promoter Alan Jones.

"The decision to include two young British riders in each team is a step in the right direction.

"Having 18 meaningful official league fixtures at home is another plus that came out of the conference, a third of which will be true local derbies.

"Last season, we bemoaned the fact that there were too many weeks when there was no speedway, but that will all change now.

"It is an exciting new phase in the evolvement of the club, and work starts here to build a competitive team for 2014."

The move to have two young British riders in each team received support from world champion Tai Woffinden, who came through the three-tier structure before becoming the first British rider to win the title in 13 years.

Leicester City's Andy King is hoping to play a significant part in Wales' European Championship qualifying campaign after impressing during Saturday's friendly with Finland in Cardiff.

King started for Chris Coleman's side and scored his second international goal in the 1-1 draw on Saturday night at the Cardiff City Stadium.

King was included after Arsenal's Aaron Ramsey was ruled out through injury and he took full advantage, scoring with a header on the hour-mark.

Wales were denied a victory by a late equaliser for Finland, but King said they can take a lot of positives from the game ahead of their next qualifying campaign.

"There is massive competition for places with Premier League players," said King.

"But that competition is something I want to thrive on and it's been nice to have a run in the team, get a few games and I was really pleased to score.

"It's just a shame it wasn't the winner. It was disappointing to concede in the last minute in the way we did because we should have gone on and won the game from there.

"But it was a good performance against a team who did well in their qualifying group (to finish behind Spain and France) and we've got to look at the positives."

King certainly knows about strong competition. He is currently holding down a starting berth in Nigel Pearson's City midfield but knows there are players of the quality of Matty James and Dean Hammond waiting in the wings if his performance levels drop.

"There is good competition everywhere across the squad," he said. "I think that is why the team has been performing so well.

"If you have a run of bad results you have the ability to change it. We are fortunate that we have such a strong squad.

"It is important to have partnerships all over the field and myself and Danny (Drinkwater) have been able to forge one, which has been really good.

"There have been partnerships all over the pitch and whoever has come in from the squad, whether we have had to change players, they have slotted straight in.

"That is credit to everyone because we have such a tight-knit squad.

"Everyone is fighting for each other and I think that is starting to show."

City's goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was an unused substitute for Denmark in their 2-1 friendly victory against Norway on Friday night.

Martin Crowson looks back at five key points from the weekend's rugby action.

1With talk of concussion protocol and player welfare dominating rugby at the moment, there was another incident that highlighted the sometimes brutal nature of the game last weekend. Italy and Treviso centre Luca Morisi had to have his spleen removed after a particularly damaging hit to his abdomen early in the test match against Fiji. There was no sense of illegality in the tackle from Asaeli Tikoirotuma that caused the injury, but the game was marred by Fiji receiving five yellow cards which, at one stage, left them with just 11 players on the field.

2Talking of concussion, the Mail on Sunday has been running a campaign to force the game's governing bodies to look at the link between head injuries and dementia. In the wake of the £475million payout to ex-NFL players who had either died from, or were suffering from, dementia, the International Rugby Board have now finally admitted there could be a link in rugby. "We recognise that there might be a potential link," said the IRB's chief medical officer Martin Raftery this weekend. It will be fascinating to see where the debate goes from here.

3If we are judging the All Blacks as the marker to beat in terms of preparation for the World Cup in 2015, then England are on the right track. They need a fly-half willing to play a flatter line in attack and they need more creative weapons out wide and in midfield. But England's forwards (and respect to Graham Rowntree for this) proved they can mix it with the best in the world in both the set-piece and the breakdown. Polish the edges and find consistency, and you never know what might happen in two years.

4Closer to home, Leicester Tigers are about to embark on a crucial two-week period in the Aviva Premiership. Yes, there is still plenty of time to go this season, but Tigers qualified for a home semi-final last season having lost six games in the 22-game campaign. They have already lost three games out of seven and, with trips to Saracens, Northampton and Harlequins to come, an injury-ravaged Leicester side have to find some form in the league in a hurry if they have any chance of a home semi-final.

5Tigers lock Sebastian de Chaves has not only proved himself to be a capable line-out leader in the last two games, he has also grown a moustache for charity-supporting Mo-vember that is turning heads. It is thick, bushy, manly and curls up at the end to give him a sort of World War Two fighter pilot look. "Who has the best 'Mo-tache' in the club," I asked him. "Well, I have got to back myself for the best 'mo'," he said.

Beau the Jack Russell was in the doghouse after becoming stranded on an island in the middle of a duck pond.

The six-year-old terrier had to be rescued by firefighters using an inflatable raft after she tried to walk on water at Abbey Park, in Leicester.

Owner Debbie Louch, of Glen Parva, said Beau became a castaway after they went for walkies in the park on Sunday morning.

"I was there with my partner, Sam Fern, and our three dogs," said Debbie.

"We had Beau and our two miniature dachshunds, three-year-old Rolo and Jenson, two."

The former care assistant said all three dogs were off the lead and running about, having fun.

"All of a sudden, Beau disappeared," said Debbie, 51. "I looked around and saw her struggling out on the island about 20 yards away from us.

"There is a lot of duck weed on the water and I think she thought it was grass and carried on running.

"Once she hit the water she looked to get out as soon as she could, and scrambled on to the island.

"Once out there, she was stuck.

"She looked so lost and forlorn it broke my heart.

"We spent nearly two hours trying to coax her back with biscuits and other treats but she wouldn't budge.

"She was shivering away, bless her, and I don't think she fancied getting colder and wetter."

Sam took his shoes and socks off and waded in up to his knees, but the water got too deep.

A city council park worker called the fire service in a bid to get Beau rescued.

Crews from Eastern, Birstall and Southern fire stations turned up, and two members of the technical rescue unit from Southern station donned dry suits and inflated their raft.

Southern crew manager Ian Cotton said: "Two of the team went on to the water.

"When they got to the island, one got off and put a lead on Beau.

"He picked her up and held her while the other paddled back to shore.

"It was nice to be able to hand her back to her owners.

"They were all very happy – especially the dog."

Sam said: "We are so grateful to the firefighters for getting Beau back to us.

"She was in the doghouse for a bit, but then we gave her a hot bath and let her sleep with the two boys on a chair in the lounge.

"We just hope this has taught her a lesson to stay on dry land in future."

Nearly 7,000 drivers in Leicestershire have points on their licences after being caught using a mobile phone at the wheel.

The figure has been revealed by the charity Brake at the launch of this year's National Road Safety Week campaign.

Graham Compton, senior traffic management officer for Leicestershire Police, said using a hand-held mobile phone behind the wheel was a distraction which could be deadly.

He said: "You cannot concentrate both on driving and the road ahead of you while being distracted by texting or having a conversation with a phone to your ear – it's impossible and is the cause of too many fatal accidents.

"We spent two years advising offenders when the law changed, but now people have been warned. There is no excuse and if caught they will be prosecuted."

Brake said 6,871 people in Leicestershire have racked up a total of 21,727 points on their licences for using a hand-held phone while driving.

As part of Road Safety Week, which began yesterday, Brake is now urging drivers to avoid using their mobile phone completely while at the wheel – meaning hands-free devices are brought into the equation.

It is also calling on people to refuse to speak on the phone to someone who is driving.

Brake campaigns officer Ellie Pearson said: "Distraction reduces hazard perception and increases reaction times in a similar way to drink-driving, making drivers much more likely to cause deaths and injury. Drivers who think they can multitask are fooling themselves.

"Many people who wouldn't dream of drink-driving are succumbing to using their phone, oblivious that the effect can be similar and the consequences just as horrific.

"We are calling on drivers in Leicestershire to tune into road safety by turning off their phone or putting it in the boot."

In 15 minutes observing mid-afternoon traffic in London Road, Leicester, on Friday, a Leicester Mercury reporter spotted five motorists – three men and two women – on their phones.

Offenders face disqualification and a fine of up to £1,000, while drivers who cause a crash and kill someone while using a phone could face up to 14 years in prison.

Traffic officers who are out in force this week as part of Road Safety Week crackdowns are also focusing on drivers who are speeding, not wearing a seatbelt or suspected of drink-driving.

Those three offences – and driving while using a mobile phone – are known collectively as the Fatal4.

There are regular patrols in the city and county which focus on the Fatal4.

The running total of mobile phone offences picked up in 20 police-led Fatal4 initiatives in Leicestershire so far this year is about 160.

Residents have objected to plans to hold a major pop concert in Leicester's Victoria Park.

Promoters Live Nation have applied for a licence to use the park, off London Road, for a major gig in the summer and councillors will decide whether to allow it when they meet next week.

The company has declined to say anything about the event, but a report by city council environmental health officers said it will be a concert from 2pm to 11pm on Saturday, June 21, for up to 50,000 people.

It is not clear which acts will be performing, but the prospect of such a large event has concerned some people who live near the park.

They are worried about being disturbed by loud music, anti-social behaviour and traffic congestion caused by gig-goers.

Licensing officials have received a dozen objections, which also include concerns the park will be fenced off for days while a stage is erected.

Canon Glynn Richerby, from St James the Greater Church, on London Road, said he feared the event would clash with a concert at the church.

In a letter to the council, he said: "The church is a major classical music concert venue.

"Various orchestras and choral societies have had concerts booked for more than 12 months for every Saturday evening in June from 7.30pm to 10pm. A large open-air concert on Victoria Park would be completely incompatible with concerts held in the church.

"There would also be severe difficulties for arrival of audiences caused by traffic and car parking issues."

A spokeswoman for Live Nation said the company was not in a position to comment on the licensing application.

City council noise team manager Robin Marston has recommended a series of conditions should councillors grant permission when they meet on Monday. They include measures to reduce the sound levels and a dedicated complaints line to be operated by Live Nation.

Summer Sundae was held in the grounds of De Montfort Hall, but Mr Marston said these were smaller han the proposed Live Nation event.

A taxi driver who kissed a teenage passenger and groped her breast has been jailed for nine months.

Safeen Ali (34) was convicted by a jury of sexually assaulting the 18-year-old student in his cab on the night of December 1 last year.

He denied the offence, claiming nothing untoward happened.

Ali, of Norfolk Street, West End, Leicester, has now had his taxi licence revoked by the city council.

Sentencing at Leicester Crown Court, Judge Simon Hammond said the victim was "really frightened" during the assault.

When she told him to stop, he ceased molesting her, apologised and drove her home to Loughborough.

Judge Hammond said: "He deliberately picked up a vulnerable woman who was alone and tried to take advantage of her for a sexual purpose.

"He had no business to stop in a lay-by on the A6 and sexually molest her.

"People who take taxis should be able to trust the drivers.

"I'd like to pay tribute to her for her courage and dignity in giving evidence at trial.

"The defendant continues to deny the offence and doesn't accept any blame for what happened.

"He's married with a young family and has now lost his job.

"He should never drive a taxi again."

The court heard the teenager spoke to the defendant as he waited for three passengers who had booked his private hire cab to collect them at St Margaret's Bus Station, in Leicester city centre. She was waiting for a late-night bus and told him she only had £10 on her, when a taxi fare to Loughborough would have been £25.

He let her sit in his taxi to keep warm and then dropped off his pre-arranged passengers, taking her with him.

On the A6 travelling towards Loughborough, he stopped at a layby.

He suggested she "return the favour" and perform a sex act upon him, which she refused.

Judge Hammond said: "He touched her breast under her clothing and kissed her on the lips."

The victim wrote down part of his registration number after being dropped off and told her family what had happened.

Paul Prior, mitigating for Ali, said: "It was 10 minutes of utter stupidity and a lack of sexual control. He came to his senses when the complainant said no to him and he apologised."

Leicester City's Capital One Cup quarter-final with Manchester City at the King Power Stadium is expected to sell out today.

Tickets went on general sale yesterday morning and only limited numbers are left.

It followed a two-week period in which season-ticket holders could purchase their tickets for the visit of Manuel Pellegrini's Premier League title challengers.

Supporters queued outside the ticket office at the King Power Stadium before the doors opened yesterday morning to ensure they got their tickets to see if Nigel Pearson's men could book their place in the semi-finals. Victory on Tuesday, December 17, would move City a step closer to a first appearance at the new Wembley.

The last time City reached this stage of the competition they overcame Fulham, in 2000, at Filbert Street after extra-time and went on to lift the trophy, with a 2-1 win against Tranmere.

City last faced Man City nearly three years ago in the FA Cup third round at the King Power Stadium.

A 2-2 draw earned City a replay at the Etihad Stadium, where they eventually went down 4-2.

Club ambassador Alan Birchenall is expecting another classic clash.

"It should come as no surprise to anyone really, but what an incredible response from the Leicester City fans," he said.

"You can always rely on them to make the big occasions that little bit more special. To have the game pretty much sold out four weeks in advance is a terrific effort.

"It was a great draw when the two teams came out of the hat, and what a tie it is now to look forward to – one of the leading clubs in Europe at the King Power Stadium in front of a packed house just before Christmas. It's got the makings of a classic."

Meanwhile, a big crowd is expected for City's Championship clash with Ipswich at Portman Road.

City are expected to take more than 1,000 supporters to East Anglia on Saturday, and Town have reported good tickets sales as they have introduced a 'kids for £1' offer for the fixture.

Defender Ritchie De Laet has returned to training during the international break but may not be ready to return in time to face the Tractor Boys.

The Belgian right-back had surgery on an infected cut on his shin, which refused to heal, last month and has not played since the defeat at Doncaster on October 5.

Liam Moore, who has switched to right-back from centre-back in De Laet's absence, is set to deputise again.

Moore is currently with the England Under-21 squad to face San Marino at Shrewsbury tonight.

A "dangerous" sex offender hid his past when he met a single mother online and moved into her Leicester home within weeks, a court heard.

Robert Caldwell failed to tell her he had recently served 10 years behind bars, following a sex attack and violent assaults on a four-year-old girl.

Before that, in 1998, he was jailed for five years for causing grievous bodily harm and ill-treating another child.

Leicester Crown Court was told on Monday that Caldwell was released in May this year and initially stayed with a friend in Moira, before relocating to Leicester's Park Hotel, also known as the City Hotel, in London Road.

He admitted breaching sex offender register requirements, by failing to notify the police of his change in address when he moved in with a new partner in the Saffron Lane area of Leicester, between July and September.

Caldwell (43) was jailed for nine months for the breach.

The pair met online and Caldwell told her he had recently left the Army. However, there was no evidence he committed any offences while staying with the woman.

Judge Michael Pert QC told him: "When you were supposed to be residing in a hotel you made friends with the mother of young children and moved in with her. The authorities have to keep tabs on you.

"You're a dangerous man."

Alan Murphy, prosecuting, said the mother Caldwell befriended was "devastated" at being duped and blamed herself for potentially putting others at risk.

He said that within a week of moving into the woman's home she had a visit from the police to warn her.

Caldwell was hiding upstairs – and claimed when the police left they had a vendetta against him and had not told her the truth.

She allowed him to continue living at her home. It was when she was summoned to a meeting with Social Services staff, a short time later, that the gravity of the situation dawned on her.

Caldwell had asked to use her mobile speaker-phone so that he could hear over the phone what was being said, but she switched the call off half way through the meeting.

Paul Tubb, mitigating, said there was no evidence of grooming or anything untoward.

"He wanted a normal life and a normal relationship. The police quickly found out where he was.

"All he did wrong was failing to say he was living at that address for five to six weeks."