■SOCCER
Kaka father denies Real deal
The father of Brazilian star Kaka on Saturday refuted claims from Real Madrid that they have signed an agreement with his son. Spanish newspaper Marca claimed earlier that Real presidential candidate Florentino Perez had reached an agreement with the former world player of the year to bring him to the Bernabeu, should he be re-elected. Marca claimed a deal had been reached for a 63 million euro (US$85 million) transfer with Kaka picking up 8 million euros a season net. But in a statement published on Milan’s Web site, Bosco Leite, who also acts as his son’s agent, rubbished the newspaper’s claims. “There is no agreement with Real Madrid and it’s not true to say that the player has already signed a deal with the Spanish club,” he said. “All information regarding the player is only credible and official if it comes from his legal representatives or from Milan. Any other information is baseless.”
■FIELD HOCKEY
South Korea win Asia Cup
Asian Games title holder South Korea defeated Pakistan 1-0 with a penalty corner by Kim Byung-hoon to win the 8th Asia Cup and claim an automatic World Cup berth. Kim scored when he sent a powerful drive into the net in the 66th minute. South Korea did not appear to be in the game and failed to create any opportunities in the first half. However, it was a different story in the second half. Meanwhile, China defeated Malaysia 7-6 on penalties in a game that ended 3-3 after extra time to claim the bronze medal.
■BOXING
Fragomeni retains title
Giacobbe Fragomeni retained his WBC cruiserweight title by earning a draw with Krzysztof Wlodarczyk in his first defense on Saturday. Judge Richard James Davies scored the bout 116-112 for Fragomeni, Robin Dolpierre had it 114-113 for Wlodarczyk, and Esa Lehtosaari scored it 114-114. The 39-year-old Fragomeni was able to avoid the Polish challenger’s long reach to get in close and throw combinations, before his foot speed took him away from danger. The Italian champion — who beat Rudolf Kraj to win the vacant title last October — finally began to land some powerful shots as he relaxed into his style, but it never appeared that Wlodarczyk would be stopped. The 2.06m Wlodarczyk, enjoying a 30cm in height advantage, hung around until Fragomeni began to tire in the later rounds. He put Fragomeni to the canvas in the 11th and thought he’d done it again, but referee Ian John-Lewis ruled the second time that Wlodarczyk had hit the champ while he was still down. Fragomeni (26-1-1) hasn’t lost in six fights since being stopped by former unified champion David Haye, who has since moved up to heavyweight. Wlodarczyk (41-2-1) hasn’t lost since dropping a majority decision in an IBF title fight to Steve Cunningham in May 2007.
■BOXING
Ward boosts title chances
Andre Ward remained unbeaten and stayed on course for a 168-pound (76kg) title shot this year with the biggest victory of his pro career, a unanimous decision over Colombia’s Edison Miranda on Saturday. Ward (19-0, 12 KOs), the 2004 US Olympic gold medalist, showed resilience in fighting 11 and a half rounds with a cut over his left eye caused by a butt from Miranda (32-4). Although Ward couldn’t land a knockout, he clearly demonstrated better skill and discipline while thriving in the late rounds. Fighting at Oracle Arena in his hometown of Oakland for the first time as a pro, Ward received a standing ovation afterward.
SSC Napoli will have to wait one more week to seal the Serie A title after on Sunday being held to a goalless draw at Parma, while closest rivals Inter drew 2-2 in a dramatic game with SS Lazio. Antonio Conte’s team stayed one point ahead of Inter and were unfortunate not to win after twice striking the woodwork through Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa and Matteo Politano, while Scott McTominay also had a free-kick tipped onto the crossbar. The away side thought they would be handed a chance to take the points from the penalty spot in the 96th minute when David Neres
Omar Marmoush’s stunning long-range strike on Tuesday upstaged Kevin de Bruyne on the Manchester City great’s Etihad farewell. Marmoush let fly from about 30m to put City ahead in their 3-1 win against AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. The victory moved Pep Guardiola’s team up to third in the standings and left qualification for the UEFA Champions League in their own hands heading into the last round of the season. “It’s really important. To be in the Champions League after what happened [this season] will be really nice,” the City manager said. De Bruyne was making his final home appearance for City before
TIGHT FINISH: Napoli only needed to do the same as or better than Inter, who won their game against Como 2-0 on the same day, leaving Napoli with a one-point lead The two players who Antonio Conte wanted more than any others secured Napoli their second Serie A title in three years on Friday. Scott McTominay scored with an acrobatic bicycle kick before halftime and Romelu Lukaku doubled the lead with a solo goal after the break in the decisive 2-0 home win over Cagliari. Conte became the first coach to win the Italian championship with three different teams. “Everyone contributed to this — but the coach most of all,” Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo said. “Napoli needed him to get back on top. He’s phenomenal.” Comparing it to his three Serie A titles won
Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jack Hinshelwood on Monday sealed a dramatic 3-2 victory against Liverpool to leave the English Premier League champions without a win since clinching the title. Arne Slot’s side took the lead through Harvey Elliott’s early opener before Yasin Ayari equalized at the American Express Stadium. Dominik Szoboszlai restored Liverpool’s advantage just before halftime, but Brighton staged a late fightback as Kaoru Mitoma leveled before Hinshelwood came off the bench to net with his first touch. Liverpool have taken just one point from their three matches following the title-clinching rout of Tottenham Hotspur on April 27. The Reds have lost at
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