Following is a summary of current sports news briefs.
Spain overcome Djokovic and Ivanovic for Hopman Cup shock
PERTH (Reuters) – Spain secured a surprise victory in the
Hopman Cup with a comeback triumph against Serbia in the final
of the mixed teams event in Perth on Saturday. Fernando
Verdasco and Anabel Medina Garrigues beat the more fancied
pairing of Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic 6-4 7-5 in the
deciding mixed doubles to secure a 2-1 win.
Gasquet beats Davydenko in Doha final
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Paul keeps Clippers on top in Los Angeles battle
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Chris Paul and the Clippers
maintained a grip on top billing in Los Angeles with a tense
107-102 victory over the Lakers on Friday to cement their
status as the city’s best team. Paul withstood a fierce
challenge from Kobe Bryant, recording 30 points and 13 assists
to Bryant’s 38 points, and the Clippers moved further ahead in
both the standings and the crosstown rivalry.
Boozer leaves Heat reeling as Bulls dominate
MIAMI (Reuters) – The Miami Heat’s rebounding troubles cost
them dearly as Carlos Boozer scored 27 points and pulled down
12 boards to spark the Chicago Bulls to a 96-89 win over the
NBA champions in South Florida on Friday. Although LeBron James
scored 30 points, the Heat fell behind in the first quarter and
were never able to recover as Chicago improved to 18-13 in the
Eastern Conference.
Japan’s Takahashi to quit after Sochi
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s former world champion Daisuke
Takahashi plans to hang up his skates after the 2014 Winter
Olympics in Sochi. Takahashi, the 2010 world champion and
Olympic bronze medalist at Vancouver the same year, told local
media on Saturday: “I think my career will finish with Sochi.
Murray backs time penalty rule after Brisbane win
BRISBANE (Reuters) – Andy Murray has thrown his unequivocal
support behind the crackdown on time-wasting in tennis because
he believes it will turn the sport into even more of a survival
of the fittest. The U.S. Open champion was speaking after he
eased into the Brisbane International final on Saturday when
his opponent Kei Nishikori retired but he does have one issue
with the ruling, admitting the 25-second limit is a little too
short.
Strong winds wipe out first day at Kapalua
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Li gets Melbourne boost with Shenzhen title
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NFL: Pioli out as Chiefs’ general manager
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Chiefs hire new coach Reid to complete day of changes
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