Tue, Jan 28, 2014 page18

• SPORTS BRIEFS

  • Agencies
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  GOLF

  Korda wins in Bahamas

  Jessica Korda won the season-opening Bahamas LPGA Classic on Sunday for her second tour title, holing a six-foot birdie putt on the final hole to beat Stacy Lewis by a stroke. The 20-year-old Korda closed with a seven-under 66 for a 19-under 273 total on Atlantis Resort’s Ocean Club course. Lewis parred the final four holes — two of them par fives — for a 66. Korda tied Lewis for the lead with a 12-foot birdie putt on the par-three 17th, then got up and down for birdie on the par-five 18th. Korda’s four-iron approach on 18 scampered through the green to the fringe just short of the grandstand. With an official and a TV announcer holding up cords that would have interfered with her stroke, she putted under the wires to set up the winning birdie. “That was different,” Korda said. “It was like jump rope.” She said she was nervous on the winning putt. “Incredible,” Korda said. “I could barely put the golf ball down and line up.” Taiwan’s Candie Kung scored 72 for two-over 294 to tie for 67th.

  RUGBY UNION

  S Africa retains Sevens title

  South Africa have defended their title at the US round of the IRB Sevens World Series circuit, beating series champions New Zealand 14-7 in the final. South Africa’s victory lifted them to a one-point lead over New Zealand in the overall standings after four of nine rounds. The next tournament is in New Zealand on Feb. 7 and Feb. 8. Scott Curry scored a try to give New Zealand an early lead in the final, but tries by Branco du Preez and Werner Kok gave South Africa their fifth straight win over New Zealand. South Africa conceded only 14 points in their matches at the tournament, reaching the final with a 14-0 win over 2010 and 2012 tournament champions Samoa. New Zealand beat Canada 26-7 in their semi-final.

  SLED DOG RACING

  Stop Idiotarod: Iditarod

  The Iditarod, a grueling multi-day sled dog race across Alaska, is not — not — to be confused with the Idiotarod, a pointedly sillier affair that took place at the weekend with costumed participants racing modified shopping carts through New York City. However, the organizers of the Alaska race were taking no chances. Last week, they got their lawyer to send a cease-and-desist letter to the organizers of the Idiotarod.

  SOCCER

  Chelsea seal Salah deal

  Chelsea have completed the signing of 21-year-old Egyptian winger Mohamed Salah from Swiss side Basel, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho announced on Sunday. Chelsea said on Thursday that they had reached an agreement to sign Salah, subject to the completion of a medical examination and the agreement of personal terms. Ahead of his side’s FA Cup fourth-round tie at home to Stoke City on Sunday, Mourinho was asked in a television interview if the transfer had been finalized and replied: “Yes.” Chelsea have not disclosed how much they have paid Basel to secure Salah’s services, but British media reports claim the transfer fee was about ￡11 million (US$18 million). Salah played against Chelsea four times over the past year, scoring three times, including in Basel’s two Champions League group-phase victories against the London club earlier this season. Speaking on Friday, Mourinho expressed admiration for the Egypt international, who reportedly rejected overtures from Liverpool in order to move to Stamford Bridge. “I like the fact that he can play the same way our attacking players do, which is players with adaptability, to play right, left or behind the striker,” Mourinho said.
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