McCormack nets silver after cut ends bout

England's Pat McCormack had to settle for a silver medal at the World Boxing Championships after he suffered a cut which ended his final early.

McCormack picked up the injury after an accidental clash of heads with RussianrivalAndreiZamkoviin their 69kg welterweight decider in Ekaterinburg.

The incident happened in the initial stages of the second round and was serious enough to end the bout.

Zamkovi was in front on the scorecards at the time and was awarded the gold.

Four judges had the Russian 20-18 ahead, while a fifth judge had the fight level at 19-19.

"It's been a good week for me and the team but I am gutted with how it ended," said 24-year-old McCormack. "I felt like I was starting to get on top and that he was beginning to get tired, but the clash of heads put a stop to it. It's just one of those things that happen sometimes in boxing.

"I am proud of my silver medalandhowIhaveboxed this week.

"It is all about Tokyo now and, after this last couple of weeks, I feel that me and the rest of the team are in good shape and can be confident as we look forward to the Olympics next year." *SunderlandLadiescruised toa2-0victoryagainstBurnley in the FAWNL Cup preliminary round at Eppleton CW,Hettonyesterdayafternoon. Goals from derby day hero Jessica Brown and Maria Farrugia handed Mel Reay’s side the victory.

Claudia Moan made a full debut in goal after normal stopper Alison Cowling’s arm injury with starts for Katie Barker and Farrugia after both coming onto make an impact against Huddersfield Town in the National League North last weekend. The Black Cats forced Burnley stopper Lauren Bracewell into a number of smarts saves, captain Kiera Ramshaw came close with a curling, left-footed effort with 28 minutes played. Brown broke the deadlock on the stroke of half-time, firing in at the near post after good play again from Ramshaw. Sunderland added a second just two minutes after theinterval.StartingjustinsidetheBurnleyhalf,Farrugiabeatthreeplayersbefore slotting home to hand her side all three points.