Rugby Union: New Zealand referee Steve Walsh, one of the best-known match officials in world rugby, has decided to call time on his career just a few months before the World Cup. Walsh, who officiated at four World Cups and oversaw 60 tests making him one of the game’s most experienced referees, said he had decided to pursue business interests. Always sound on the rules and an excellent communicator, the 43-year-old’s manner sometimes made him a controversial figure. He was twice suspended for verbally abusing players who challenged his decisions.
Basketball: Some players sing along to the national anthem in South Korea, others stand in stony-faced silence, trying keep emotions in check. Changwon LG’s US import Davon Jefferson chose to stretch and limber up... big mistake! Jefferson was kicked to the curb by the Korean Basketball League team yesterday after the 6 foot 5 inch (1.99m) American sparked a backlash from fans in the build-up to Wednesday’s KBL play-off game against Ulsan Mobis Phoebus. The 28-year-old was accused of not showing the proper respect during the anthem and the Sakers said they had decided to cut him loose as it was the latest in a series of incidents involving the league’s top scorer.
Alpine Skiing: World Cup holder Anna Fenninger will take part in the slalom at the finals in Meribel today in a bid to boost the chances of retaining her title. The Austrian, who rarely competes in the discipline, leads 2013 overall champion Tina Maze, of Slovenia, by 32 points with two races left before the end of the season. A total of 200 points are up for grabs in today’s slalom and a giant slalom tomorrow.
Cricket: Australia completed an emphatic six-wicket victory over Pakistan at the Adelaide Oval yesterday to book a blockbuster World Cup semi-final against reigning champions India. With Pakistan’s batsmen bowled out for 213 at Adelaide Oval, their bowlers had little to defend and were let down by two dropped catches that reprieved batsmen Shane Watson and Glenn Maxwell. The pair would go on to build an unbeaten 68-run partnership to steer Australia to victory, as the co-hosts reeled in the final runs with over 16 overs to spare. Watson was unbeaten on 64 and Maxwell 44 not out.
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Snooker: Snooker’s highest profile female referee Michaela Tabb (picture) has left her position on the World Snooker circuit. Tabb, 47, became the first woman to officiate a world final in 2009 before refereeing another in 2012. Having been fast-tracked by World Snooker, she became the first woman to referee in a ranking tournament at the 2002 Welsh Open. Previously, she played on the eight-ball pool circuit, and also captained the Scottish women’s pool team.
World Grand Prix QFs: Stuart Bingham bt Mark Davis 4-0; Martin Gould bt Peter Ebdon 4-2; Ronnie O’Sullivan bt Graeme Dott 4-1.