IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Soccer

Six fans hurt in Argentine stadium turf war

BUENOS AIRES: At least six supporters were injured, one seriously, as Argentina's most notorious football fans were invloved in a violent turf war to claim ownership of a stadium terrace, police said.

Around 100 fans, known as "barrabravas", fought with knives, batons and chains in an effort to gain control of part of the Velez Sarsfield stadium just before kickoff in the match between Arsenal de Sarandi and River Plate.

Amongst the six people taken to hospital, a 39-year-old man was in a "serious condition" with suspected brain damage, said a hospital spokesman, while another had stab wounds.

Local media reported that at least three "barrabravas" had been arrested. Since November 2007, three fans have died in football-related violence in Argentina.

Beckham hopes for better days after Galaxy routed

LOS ANGELES: English star David Beckham can only hope his first full season in Major League Soccer is not filled with more nights like his opener for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

The Colorado Rapids routed Los Angeles 4-0 Saturday in the season opener for each club, the Galaxy dropping its seventh game in a row at Denver in a spoiled debut for Dutch star Ruud Gullit as coach of Beckham's club.

"Not our best night," Beckham said. "In the first half we didn't play our best but we created chances. When you don't play good football you don't deserve to win."

Beckham, who played only five games last year for the Galaxy after joining the club in July from Real Madrid, delivered several strong crossing passes in the first half but could not find a finisher.

Rugby

New Zealand tops S. Africa in Hong Kong Sevens

HONG KONG: New Zealand continued its domination of sevens rugby, beating South Africa in the final of the Hong Kong Sevens on Sunday, all but sealing an eighth world title in nine years.

Its 26-12 win stretches its record streak of match wins in the IRB Sevens World Series to 42 and it has also won a record seven tournaments in succession.

The win over South Africa, the team it beat in the United States final last month, takes New Zealand to 110 points at the top of the sevens standings, a massive 38 clear of second-placed South Africa.

Golf

Ochoa notches win at Safeway International

SUPERSTITION MOUNTAIN, Arizona: Lorena Ochoa retained her Safeway International crown in dominant fashion on Sunday, posting a seven-stroke victory in the $1.5 million LPGA event.

The world No 1 from Mexico, who led by one at the start of the round, fired a 6-under-par 66 for a 22-under total of 266 - four strokes better than her winning total last year.

South Korean Jee Young Lee, who birdied 18 for a 72, finished second at 15-under 273 with Finland's Minea Blomqvist third at 14-under 274 after a 67.

Argentina's Romero captures first US PGA title

NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana: Argentina's Andres Romero became the sixth player in seven years to win his first US PGA title at the Zurich Classic, firing a 4-under par 68 Sunday for a one-stroke victory.

The 26-year-old South American, making only his 12th start on the US tour, was among 46 players forced to finish his third round Sunday because of severe thunderstorms, but fired two morning birdies to set a tone for the day.

(China Daily 04/01/2008 page24)