Digest

TABLE TENNIS

Qiu thrilled with title breakthrough at Euros

Germany's Qiu Dang claimed his first major title on Sunday, winning the 2022 European Championships men's singles title by defeating Darko Jorgic of Slovenia 4-1 in the final in Munich.

Jorgic won the first set narrowly, but Qiu fought all the way back in the following four sets, eventually sealing the victory 10-12, 14-12, 11-8,11-9, 11-2.

"This is the biggest achievement I've ever had," Qiu said. "I feel like I'm the happiest person on Earth right now. It's incredible."

Qiu was born into a table tennis-playing family in Germany. His Chinese parents are both former players and used to compete in the German league. His brother, Qiu Liang, currently plays in the league's second division.

World No 10 Qiu is now keen to build on his victory as he eyes the world championships and Olympic Games. "I have to keep my results consistent, otherwise this title means nothing," he said.

In the women's singles final, Sofia Polcanova of Austria won the first set 11-9 before her opponent, Nina Mittelham of Germany, had to retire midway through the second set with a shoulder injury.

BASKETBALL

Rodman planning Russia trip for Griner

Eccentric former NBA star Dennis Rodman is planning a trip to Russia in an effort to seek the release of imprisoned WNBA player Brittney Griner, NBC News reported on Sunday.

The network quoted Rodman as saying that he was hoping to fly to Russia this week in an attempt to help basketball superstar Griner, who was sentenced to nine years in jail by a Moscow court earlier this month on a drug charge.

"I got permission to go to Russia to help that girl," Rodman told NBC. "I'm trying to go this week."

No further details were provided by Rodman, who was speaking at a restaurant in Washington where he was attending a sports apparel convention, according to NBC.

Two-time Olympic basketball gold medalist and WNBA champion Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February for possessing vape cartridges that contained a small amount of cannabis oil.

The 31-year-old, who was in Russia to play for the professional Yekaterinburg team during her offseason from the Phoenix Mercury, was charged with smuggling narcotics and was sentenced to nine years in early August. Griner pleaded guilty to the charges, but said she did not intend to use the banned substance in Russia.

SOCCER

Henan's Dourado faces ban over ref incident

Henan Songshan Longmen forward Henrique Dourado could be banned for over six months after he knocked over the referee in a Chinese Super League game on Sunday.

With Henan trailing 2-0 against host Wuhan Yangtze River after 15 minutes, Dourado ran up behind referee Ma Ning and knocked the official over.

After reviewing the incident on VAR, Ma sent the Brazilian striker off.

According to Chinese Football Association regulations, any act of violence committed against match officials by players－including elbowing, punching and kicking－incurs a suspension of at least six months.

Despite being reduced to 10 men, Henan salvaged a 2-2 draw.

GOLF

Ni, 14, becomes China tour's youngest winner

Ni Zixin became the youngest-ever winner on the China LPGA Tour on Saturday when the 14-year-old amateur won the Golf Liquor Challenge in Shandong province.

The previous youngest winner was Zhang Yahui, who triumphed at the CTBC Zhuhai Challenge last October at the age of 15.

Ni closed with an even-par 71 over the Garden Course at the CGA Nanshan International Training Center to complete a wire-to-wire victory with a one-under total of 212. Sun Jiaze closed with a 68 to finish two strokes behind in second place. Zhang finished third, four shots adrift of Ni.

"Entering this week, my goal was to become the youngest winner and to break Zhang Yahui's record. I am happy that I made it today," said Ni.

"I felt tired over the last few holes and made a couple of mistakes from the tees, but the rest was pretty good," the teenager added.

Sun, who posted her best result since turning pro last year, said: "I am happy with this unexpected runner-up finish. I just stayed patient from the very beginning because I knew it's a tough course."

Cantlay rides luck to retain BMW title

Defending FedEx Cup playoff champion Patrick Cantlay won his second consecutive BMW Championship on Sunday, becoming the first player to win the event back-to-back since the FedEx Cup began in 2007.

World No 1 Cantlay recovered from a two-stroke deficit on the back nine to defeat US compatriot Scott Stallings thanks to a key break and clutch putting.

Cantlay fired a two-under 69 to finish 72 holes at Wilmington Country Club in Delaware on 14-under 270 and edge Stallings by a stroke.

"I played a lot of great golf this week and I'm happy to come out of here with a win," Cantlay said.

Stallings shared the lead with Cantlay when he dropped his approach nine feet (2.7 meters) from the cup at 18, but Stallings missed the pressure-packed birdie putt and had to settle for a closing par.

Cantlay, meanwhile, had his tee shot at 17 bounce out of the rough and onto the fairway. He pitched the ball to six feet and sank the clutch birdie putt to seize the lead.

Xinhua - Agencies