Wed, May 23, 2012 page19

• SPORTS BRIEFS

  • Agencies
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  SOCCER

  Hertha lose their appeal

  Hertha BSC Berlin have lost their appeal for a replay of their relegation playoff match at Fortuna Duesseldorf 1895 last week, which was twice interrupted by crowd trouble and ended with them being relegated from the top tier. The German football federation’s sporting tribunal said it could find no justification for ordering a replay of the relegation playoff second-leg that ended 2-2, giving Fortuna a 4-3 aggregate win. The club, who went straight down after only one season in the top flight, said the decision was “totally incomprehensible” and that they would appeal to the highest tribunal, the Bundesgericht. “The appeal was not successful because no reasons for objection could be found,” said Hans Lorenz, head of the tribunal. “The referee at all times acted according to the rules and Hertha’s claim that the team was weakened by the interruption could not be proved.”

  BASEBALL

  Feliz put on disabled list

  The division-leading Texas Rangers face a nervous wait for Neftali Feliz to recover fitness after placing the starting pitcher on the disabled list on Monday. The 24-year-old Feliz has a sprained ligament in his right elbow that is likely to keep him out at least through the All-Star break and possibly longer. Feliz, who spent the past two years as the team’s closer before joining the starting rotation this season, is 3-1 with a 3.16 ERA. The Rangers entered Monday night with a five-game lead in the American League West, but they now have to look for ways to compensate for their loss. Texas general manager Jon Daniels indicated the team may even consider signing a free agent.

  BASKETBALL

  Magic fire Van Gundy

  The Orlando Magic fired head coach Stan Van Gundy following a season where he clashed with All-Star center Dwight Howard, the NBA team said on Monday. Van Gundy, who said in March that Howard wanted him fired, was named head coach of the Magic in 2007 and led the team to the NBA Finals in 2009. The Magic, who were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Indiana Pacers two weeks ago, also said general manager Otis Smith and the team had mutually agreed to part ways. “These are the days you dread in this business, but we feel it’s time for new leadership and new voices,” Orlando chief executive Alex Martins said in a statement. “The disappointment of getting eliminated in the first round of the playoffs these past two seasons played a primary role in our decision, as we feel our momentum towards winning a championship has paused.” Van Gundy had a 259-135 record with the Magic and led the team to the post-season in each of his five seasons in charge, including three Southeast Division titles.

  GOLF

  Woods’ niece eyes LPGA

  Cheyenne Woods, the 21-year-old niece of 14-time major winner Tiger Woods, has signed with her uncle’s agent, Mark Steinberg, and is set to start playing in LPGA Tour events this year. In a statement posted on the Excel agency Web site on Monday, Cheyenne Woods said she plans to play in LPGA events this year on sponsor exemptions and seek a full-time spot on the women’s tour through the qualifying tournament. “I am really looking forward to pursuing my goals and dreams to compete on the highest level,” she said. “As I begin my professional career, I am confident and excited about working with Excel as they help shape my future.” She posted the lowest scoring average at Wake Forest University.
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