Short Sport, December 28, 2012

Sharapova, Williams fit to play in Brisbane

Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams will be fit to play at the Brisbane International, which begins this weekend, after injury scares, organisers said. French Open champion Sharapova pulled out of an exhibition tennis match against Caroline Wozniacki scheduled for today in Seoul because of a sore collarbone, but is due to arrive in Brisbane tomorrow. Williams also pulled out of an exhibition against China's Li Na in Thailand last week. However, the American has been given the green light to participate in Brisbane following toe surgery. Eight of the world's top 10 women are scheduled to play in the US$1.5 million Brisbane event, including No 1 Victoria Azarenka of Belarus. Reuters

Red Sox get pitcher Hanrahan from Pirates

The Boston Red Sox acquired closing pitcher Joel Hanrahan from Pittsburgh Pirates in a six-player MLB trade. Infielder Brock Holt will also go to Boston, while the Pirates get pitchers Mark Melancon and Stolmy Pimentel, infielder Ivan De Jesus and utility man Jerry Sands. Hanrahan has notched 76 saves over the past two seasons with the Pirates, fourth-best in the National League. AFP

Spurs end Raptors' 5-game winning streak

The San Antonio Spurs took advantage of Toronto's injury woes to snap the Raptors' five-game winning streak with a 100-80 home NBA victory. Tim Duncan led the way with 15 points, Manu Ginobili added 14 off the bench and the Spurs (22-8) stretched their Southwest Division lead to two games over Memphis. DeMar DeRozan had enjoyed strong performances against San Antonio in the past but only managed eight points this time. "Maybe he just had one of those nights where he wasn't feeling it," Spurs coach Gregg Popovich said. Reuters