Tue, Sep 27, 2011 page18

• SPORTS BRIEFS

  • Agencies
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  GOLF

  Woods hires new caddie

  Tiger Woods has hired Joe LaCava to replace long-time Kiwi caddie Steve Williams, whom he had a falling out with earlier this year. The 14-time major winner Woods took two months to find a replacement after splitting with Williams in July. “Joe LaCava is an outstanding caddie and I have known him since I was an amateur, really looking forward to having him on my bag,” Woods wrote on Twitter on Sunday. LaCava worked for 20 years as a caddie for this year’s US Presidents Cup team captain Fred Couples. Most recently, he has been carrying the golf bag for rising PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson. Woods, who was the best man at Williams’ wedding, sacked his former caddie after 13 years of working together.

  GOLF

  Ferrie wins Austrian Open

  Kenneth Ferrie beat fellow Englishman Simon Wakefield in a playoff to lift the Austrian Open in Atzenbrugg on Sunday. Both men carded five-under-par 67s for 276, one shot ahead of Dutchman Joost Luiten who bogeyed the 18th. It was a third European Tour title for 32-year-old Ferrie, but his first since 2005. He sealed victory at the first playoff hole after Wakefield’s overhit second shot ended in rough at the back of the green. Overnight leader Thomas Norret of Denmark could only manage a 72 for 279, undone by an unhappy seven on the par five 13th.

  GYMNASTICS

  Coach accused of assault

  Two women have told the Orange County Register newspaper that they were sexually abused in the 1980s by the man who coached the US’ 1984 Olympic gymnastics team. USA Gymnastics is aware of the allegations against Don Peters and is looking into them, president Steve Penny said on Sunday. Should the federation find merit to the allegations, the 62-year-old Peters could be subject to a lifetime ban. “Athlete safety is a top priority for USA Gymnastics, and sexual misconduct against minors is unacceptable and against USA Gymnastics policy,” Penny said. “USA Gymnastics takes seriously any written grievance regarding its professional members, especially those that could involve young athletes.” Peters was head coach of the US team for the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, where the US won eight medals in 1984, including Mary Lou Retton’s gold in the all-around.

  SOCCER

  Helsingborg seal title

  Helsingborg clinched their seventh Swedish title, and their first since 1999, with three rounds of the season left to play after a 3-1 win away to GAIS on Sunday. Helsingborg have an unassailable 61 points, 10 more than AIK Stockholm, who were held to a 1-1 draw at Malmo. Elfsborg, the only other club able to catch the leaders, suffered a surprise defeat at Mjallby on Saturday. Helsingborg went ahead against GAIS in Gothenburg through Erlend Hanstveit’s first-half goal, but the hosts leveled from the penalty spot shortly after the break. Striker Erik Sundin fired the leaders ahead again against the run of play and Rachid Bouaouzan netted a late penalty to seal victory.

  RUGBY UNION

  Hooker to face hearing

  Russian hooker Valery Tsnobiladze is to face a disciplinary hearing over an alleged head-butt during the 62-12 defeat to Ireland, World Cup officials said yesterday. Tsnobiladze was cited for allegedly “striking an opponent with the head” during Sunday’s game and will go before an independent judicial officer in Auckland, a statement said.
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