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Sports Briefs

■ Auto Racing
Gordon settles divorce
Four-time Winston Cup champion Jeff Gordon reached a divorce settlement that guarantees his former wife at least US$15.3 million. Brooke Gordon waived alimony and will get the money from the sale of two properties, including the couple's oceanfront home in Highland Beach, according to court documents. It was unclear when the properties would be sold or how the couple would divide other assets, which include boats, an airplane and cars. Brooke Gordon filed for divorce in March 2002 after seven years of marriage, citing marital discord. She was "extremely pleased" with the settlement, said her lawyer, Terry Young.

■ Rugby
Italians get trounced
A jet-lagged Italian rugby team, deficient in defense and lacking combination, was beaten 40-18 by Southland in the first match of a whirlwind New Zealand tour yesterday. Italy will play five matches in two weeks in New Zealand in an effort to prepare for an equally demanding schedule at October's rugby union World Cup in Australia. Their Cup preparation had a poor beginning when they were beaten by five tries to two Saturday by one of New Zealand's weakest first division provinces. Italy fielded a giant forward pack but their set pieces were disorganized and their backline play, which might have flourished on steady possession, was impeded by slow passing and poor handling. Insult was added to injury for the tourists when Jason Rutledge, the son of Italy's forward coach Leicester Rutledge, scored one of Southland's tries. Italy was weak in defense and several of Southland's tries came easily from broken play.
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