Victoria Azarenka retains Australian Open title with win over ailing Li Na

source: www.interaksyon.com

MELBOURNE – Victoria Azarenka retained her Australian Open title with a tense 4-6 6-4 6-3 victory over China’s Li Na, who suffered a sickening ankle injury in the second set and hit her head in the third when she twisted the joint for a second time.

Li had dominated the first set on Saturday but Azarenka raced out to a 3-1 lead in the second before Li slipped and twisted her left ankle. She had it strapped but had problems pivoting and Azarenka won the set 6-4.

The Chinese sixth seed, who won the French Open title in 2011, had taken a 2-1 lead in the decider before a fireworks display delayed play for about 10 minutes and she immediately went over her ankle again when they returned and hit her head.

A smiling Li returned to court but Azarenka managed to break in the fifth game, then hold serve to jump to a 4-2 lead and she sealed the title, which ensured she retained the number one ranking, when she broke Li in the ninth game.

Gilas Pilipinas cruises to easy semis win over Changsha Park Lane to reach HK tilt finals

source: www.interaksyon.com

The Gilas Pilipinas national team smashed Changsha Park Lane, 90-69, in their semis duel to reach the finals of the 19th Super Keung Sheung Cup International Invitation Basketball Championship on Saturday at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in Wanchai, Hong Kong.

Nino Canaleta led the way for the Philippine quintet with 18 points and eight rebounds while naturalized player Marcus Douthit added 13 markers and eight boards for the Chot Reyes-coached national squad.

Kevin Alas contributed 10 markers for the Filipinos, who will face the winner of the semifinal encounter between defending champion Southern California Fukienese Association and Hong Kong national team, which was being played as of posting time.

The Gilas five had a quick start, erecting an early 26-9 lead after the first period before the team Snow Wolves managed to keep pace with Filipinos in the second period, 21-20, but still trailed 29-47 at halftime.

It was also close in the last two quarters but the Filipinos were to keep the big lead for good and advance into the championship match on Sunday.

Ronald Pascual and Garvo Lanete contributed eight apiece for the Philippine squad.

Liu Fuxiang led the young Changsa Park Lane team with 17 points while Sun Jian added 11.