Kings fire coach Karl after poor NBA season
LOS ANGELES • George Karl, the 2013 National Basketball Association (NBA) Coach of the Year, was among the coaching casualties at the end of the regular season.
He was sacked by the Sacramento Kings a day after completing a 33-49 season and missing the NBA play-offs.
The Washington Wizards (41-41) also parted ways with coach Randy Wittman on Thursday after his failure to deliver post-season basketball.
The news comes after the Minnesota Timberwolves (29-53) announced on Wednesday that they would be replacing interim head coach Sam Mitchell.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Phelps wins in 200m free consolation final
LOS ANGELES • Michael Phelps made a low-key start to the Mesa Pro Swim on Thursday, winning in the 200m freestyle consolation final.
The 18-time Olympic gold medallist just missed out on qualifying for the championship final in the event.
His winning "B" final time of 1min 48.21secs would have given him bronze in the championship race won by Conor Dwyer in 1:46.61.
Phelps said he was not sure if he would tackle the 200m free at the United States Olympic trials in June, but wants to at least challenge for a spot on the US 200m free relay team in Rio.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Donald takes lead at RBC Heritage, ahead of Day
HILTON HEAD (South Carolina) • Former world No. 1 Luke Donald, who considered quitting professional golf last May after a form slump, gave himself a welcome boost by charging into a tie for the first-round lead at the RBC Heritage on Thursday.
The Englishman carded a five-under 66 to end the day level with South African Branden Grace. Australian world No. 1 Jason Day was a stroke behind.
REUTERS
Gutierrez wins claim against Newcastle
LONDON • Former Newcastle United midfielder Jonas Gutierrez has won his disability discrimination claim against his former club, it was announced on Thursday.
The 32-year-old Argentina international had alleged he was excluded from the Premier League side's first team because of his diagnosis with testicular cancer in 2013 and sued Newcastle for about £2 million (S$3.86 million).
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
