TENNIS
Petkovic wins title in Sofia
Germany’s Andrea Petkovic claimed her third title of the year when she clawed her way back to beat Italy’s Flavia Pennetta 1-6, 6-4, 6-3 in the final of the WTA Tournament of Champions in Sofia, Bulgaria. Victory was the perfect morale-booster for the fourth-seeded Petkovic, who will finish off her season next weekend when Germany take on the Czech Republic in the Fed Cup final. “I’m happy I met Flavia in the final because we’ve both been coming back from injury this year,” Petkovic said after wrapping up her fifth career title. “I was so happy when she won Indian Wells because I know what she went through, and so it’s even nicer to play her for this title today. I hope next season is even better for her.” Petkovic, 27, added the Sofia title to earlier wins this season at Charleston and Bad Gastein. She is the fifth player to win three or more tournaments this year, after Serena Williams (seven), Maria Sharapova (four), Ana Ivanovic (four) and Petra Kvitova (also three).
ATHLETICS
Wozniacki runs marathon
Caroline Wozniacki says she is pleased she beat her goal in the New York City Marathon, especially since her training routine included late nights and attending a sporting event on the eve of the run. “I’ve done everything you are not supposed to do before a marathon,” the 24-year old Wozniacki said. “I had a Halloween party three days ago and came back at like 4:00 in the morning. I’ve been really busy. Last night, I actually didn’t have much of a dinner because I went to the [New York] Rangers game. You are supposed to load up on carbs, but I didn’t have too much time for that.” The WTA Tour tennis star finished her first marathon on Sunday in just under 3 hours, 27 minutes, saying she even had enough left in the tank to sprint the final few meters to the finish line. “It was incredible,” said Wozniacki, who set a goal of three hours, 30 minutes. “I’m so happy to have done this. I’m so proud.” Wozniacki raised more than US$80,000 for Team for Kids, which provides money for youth running programs.
ICE HOCKEY
Flying puck kills fan, 8
An eight-year-old ice hockey fan who had gone to watch a match in northern France with his father died on Sunday after he was hit in the head by a puck that flew into the stands. The freak tragedy occurred about three minutes before the end of the match in Dunkirk on Saturday evening, when a player hit the puck toward the end of the rink and a teammate then diverted it, sending it into the stands. Hugo, who was with his father, was hit on the ear and suffered cardiac arrest. Rescue workers on site were able to revive him, but he died on Sunday of his injuries in hospital. A puck weighs around 170g and can travel at more than 180kph.
SOCCER
Lippi coaches last game
World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi has signaled an end to his stellar managerial career after the Italian guided Guangzhou Evergrande to their fourth successive Chinese Super League title on Sunday. The 66-year-old’s Chinese adventure was the final chapter in a remarkable coaching career that began with a host of managerial roles at lower-tier Italian clubs in the 1980s. He went on to win five Serie A crowns during two stints with Juventus and secured a Champions League triumph with the club in 1996. Lippi also had two stints with the national side, with the highlight being when he coached Italy to victory at the 2006 World Cup. He resigned after they made a poor defense of their title in South Africa and joined Guangzhou in May 2012.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely