Tennis: Maria Sharapova shrugged off last year’s disappointing first-round exit as she got off to a confident start by beating Tamarine Tanasugarn in the Pan Pacific Open yesterday. The Russian world no. 2 , who crashed to a surprise defeat by Japan’s Kimiko Date-Krumm last year, was in full swing as she defeated the veteran Thai 6-1, 7-5 to stride into the third round after a first-round bye.

Golf: Tiger Woods has hired Joe LaCava to replace long-time Kiwi caddie Steve Williams whom he had a falling out with earlier this year. Woods took two months to find a replacement after splitting with former bagman and best man at his wedding Williams in July. LaCava worked 20 years as a caddie for 2011 US Presidents Cup team captain Fred Couples. Most recently he has been carrying the golf bag for rising PGA Tour star Dustin Johnson.

Rugby Union: Italy fullback Andrea Masi has pulled out of today’s World Cup match against the United States and been replaced by Luke McLean. Masi, a 63-Test veteran, suffered a slight calf strain and it was decided to rest him as a precautionary measure before their next game against Ireland, a team spokesman said yesterday.

Handball: A first division handball match in Denmark took a tragic turn at the weekend when a 23-year-old player suddenly collapsed and died. National Handball chairman Morten Stig Christensen said defender Olsen had been involved in a tackle during the game played in the southern Danish town of Maribo, and had left the court to recover. “After a while he said he was ready to resume the match, but as soon as he stepped onto the court he collapsed,” Christensen said.