Dunning's nickname is 'Bouncer'

New South Wales forward Dunning claimed negative publicity over a costly on-field error had "got to him" before the incident.

The Waratahs needed a four-try bonus point victory to overtake ACT Brumbies for a top-four finish in the Southern Hemisphere's Super 12 competition.

In the event they beat Waikato Chiefs but only scored three tries, with Dunning - a 20-stone prop - opting to kick a drop goal late on instead of pushing for tries.

He was greeted with derisory headlines in the Australian press last Sunday, including "Dumb and Dunning".

On Monday Dunning allegedly broke team-mate Des Tuiavii's nose with a punch outside a city nightclub and annoyed members of the public with his behaviour during the Waratahs' 'Mad Monday' celebrations.

Judging by the way I behaved I don't think I handled things too well Matt Dunning

The Sun-Herald newspaper reported that Dunning had admitted to a "brain explosion" in punching Tuiavii, and apologised for his actions.

Dunning told the newspaper: "I did punch Des and I have told him that I am sorry.

"I was trying to hail a cab, I was drunk, there was a bit of push and shove and then I hit him.

"We were on our Mad Monday (celebrations) and I had too much to drink like a few of the other players.

"I'm not making excuses for my behaviour at all," Dunning added. "It was my fault.

"I went through a lot after the game and I thought that I dealt with the press that I received on the Sunday. I think it all got to me."

The New South Wales Rugby Union (NSWRU) has launched an investigation into the incident.

"He thinks it's all over...it isn't yet"

"Don't cry for me...just yet "

Argentine Guillermo Coria won the Hamburg Masters tennis tournament on Sunday - but if organisers had their way he would have been crowned champion earlier.

Coria won the first two sets against compatriot Agustin Calleri, whereupon the stadium announcer ran on to the court and declared Coria the victor.

Only trouble was the final - unlike the rest of the tournament - was the best of five sets, rather than three.

The embarassed official promptly exited again to a chorus of boos from the crowd.

Coria, undeterred, rattled off the final set to complete a 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory and earn his second career ATP title.