Short Sport, January 13, 2013
Southern beat Wofoo Tai Po 2-1 yesterday, but still went out of the FA Cup 4-2 on aggregate. Two goals at their home ground in Aberdeen through Jonathan Carill and Landon Ling saw them come from behind to beat Tai Po, for whom Christian Annan scored an early effort. Citizen take on South China at Hong Kong Stadium today. "Our cup target of the season has been realised after defeating South China to reach the Senior Shield final," said executive director Calvin Pui Ho-wang. "We will try more attacking options to see if we can overcome the 2-0 deficit after the first leg. It's going to be tough against the Caroliners, but maybe we can pull off a big surprise." Chan Kin-wa
Wong Wing-ki's fairy tale in the US$1 million Korea Open came to an end after losing to world No 1 Lee Chong Wei of Malaysia in Seoul yesterday. Playing in his first Super Series semi-final, Wong survived 34 minutes before losing to the favourite 21-11, 21-18. Lee will meet Du Pengyu of China in today's final after the mainlander beat Sony Dwi Kuncoro of Indonesia 21-12, 21-17. In the women's singles competition, unseeded Sung Ji-hyun of the hosts will meet fifth seed Wang Shixian of China in the final. Chan Kin-wa
Rising Australian star Bernard Tomic clinched his first ATP Tour title with a fighting win over South African Kevin Anderson in the final of the Sydney International yesterday. Tomic claimed his eighth straight win of the year in downing the 36th-ranked Anderson 6-3, 6-7 (2-7), 6-3, setting himself up for the Australian Open, which begins tomorrow, and saying he felt "unstoppable". "I couldn't ask for anything more. It's an amazing feeling," Tomic said. "Now I know what it feels like to win a tournament, and it's the best feeling in the world. I can't stop here now, I've got to look to the next tournament." AFP
Lleyton Hewitt rolled back the years and gave local fans some excitement before the Australian Open next week by demolishing world No 7 Juan Martin del Potro 6-1, 6-4 to claim the Kooyong Classic title in Melbourne yesterday. The 31-year-old Hewitt, who has been troubled by foot, toe, hip and hand injuries in recent years, also beat Canada's Milos Raonic and Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic at the eight-man invitational tournament. Reuters
Top seed David Ferrer warmed up for the Australian Open with a fourth ATP Auckland crown when he recovered from two early service breaks to beat Philipp Kohlschreiber in straight sets yesterday. It was a confidence-boosting finish for Ferrer ahead of the opening grand slam of the year in Melbourne as he fought back to win 7-6 (7-5), 6-1 after Kohlschreiber held set point at 4-5 on serve in the first set of the contest. Reuters
Japan's Ryo Ishikawa and Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant have received invitations to play in this year's Masters at Augusta, tournament organisers said. "The Masters has long established a tradition of supporting the global game, and we were excited to extend invitations to [the pair], who we hope will provide added interest and enthusiasm for golf in Asia through their participation," Augusta chairman Billy Payne said. Reuters
The NFL players' union does not plan a formal probe into how the Washington Redskins medical staff handled Robert Griffin III's knee injury. The NFL Players Association said it was satisfied with a report from the Redskins detailing the procedures used by team physician James Andrews and other staff on the sidelines. Griffin had reconstructive anterior cruciate ligament surgery on Wednesday after reinjuring his right knee against the Seattle Seahawks. AP
Forward Teerasil Dangda trained with Atletico Madrid for the first time as part of a two-week trial programme involving the Spanish club and Thai side Muangthong United. The 24-year-old, who has scored 28 goals in 54 appearances for Thailand, is one of 11 players who have worked with Atletico as part of a collaboration deal between the clubs. "I am very proud and very happy," Teerasil said. "I hope I will be able to play in Europe one day." Reuters
