Sport shorts
Olympics
Pollution levels rose sharply in Beijing yesterday, just 2 ½ months before the Olympic Games in the city, prompting authorities to warn residents with respiratory problems to stay inside. Beijing's pollution has already proved a major concern for athletes, with twice Olympic champion Haile Gebrselassie pulling out of the men's marathon out of concern for his health.
Basket, NBA
The Detroit Pistons shut down the Boston Celtics on Monday to record a 94-75 victory and tie their Eastern Conference finals series at 2-2. Forward Antonio McDyess led the Pistons with 21 points and 16 rebounds. After losing Game Three 94-80, a re-energised Pistons team shot out to a 10-0 lead and never trailed. Detroit also upped the intensity in their defence and the Celtics shot just 32 per cent from the field. Game Five of the best-of-seven series will be played in Boston tonight.
Rugby Union
Former All Blacks captain Jerry Collins became the latest high-profile player to quit rugby in his native New Zealand, the loose forward saying he would take an indefinite break from the game. Renowned for his hard-hitting style, the 27-year-old Collins said he was not rushing into making any decisions on his future. Collins made his debut for the All Blacks in 2001 and played 48 tests. He is the 11th player to quit the All Blacks following last year's failed World Cup campaign in France.