Zeng falls just short of a massive scalp

Despite a three-game lead, in-form Singapore paddler Zeng Jian was not able to overcome world No. 1 Liu Shiwen in the China Open quarter-finals.

Yesterday in Chengdu, the 20-year-old raced into a big lead with scores of 12-10, 11-6, 11-9, before Liu regained her footing to take the remaining games 11-5, 11-9, 11-9, 11-5 to win 4-3.

The China-born Zeng is now ranked 27th in the world after clinching three Under-21 ITTF World Tour titles this year, the latest at this tournament on Thursday when she beat Doo Hoi Kem.

Olympic champ disappointed by hack

SYDNEY • Australian Olympic champion rower Kim Brennan has spoken of her deep disappointment that her integrity as a clean athlete has been called into question over a shot of adrenalin administered in a medical emergency.

Brennan, who won gold in the single sculls at the Rio Olympics, was one of 11 athletes whose medical data was leaked yesterday by a Russian hacking group, known as APT28 and Fancy Bears by US cyber-security researchers.

REUTERS

Yi follows Yao in picking No. 11 jersey

LOS ANGELES • China's Yi Jianlian may not like being compared to compatriot Yao Ming but he is not shy about wearing his No. 11 jersey this season with the Los Angeles Lakers.

The 28-year-old forward-centre said on Friday the two agreed that Yi would wear Yao's former number with his new National Basketball Association team.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

All Blacks win Rugby C'ship title

PERTH • Australia beat Argentina 36-20 in the Rugby Championship yesterday in a result which ensured the All Blacks wrapped up the title with two games to spare.

Earlier yesterday, New Zealand thrashed South Africa 41-13 in Christchurch. The All Blacks banked a bonus point, their fourth in four matches.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE