Best of the Rest
US top Colombia in 10: Pitching dominated a tense 3-2 US win over Colombia in Miami on Friday, settled by a 10th-inning, walk-off single by Adam Jones that ignited an emotional celebration by the Americans.
The victory in the opening World Baseball Classic (WBC) game for the hosts of Pool C was a major relief for the US, who have not done better than fourth place in the three previous WBC competitions. (RTRS) Shiffrin wins World Cup GS: Mikaela Shiffrin covered her mouth with her glove in disbelief after crossing the finish line. Finally believing, she tossed her right ski pole into the air.
Usually so stoic, the American standout let her emotions loose. With good reason: This was a victory on US snow.
Shiffrin used a strong burst near the end to win a giant slalom race as the World Cup returned to Squaw Valley for the first time since 1969. She finished in a combined time of 2 minutes, 16.42 seconds on a warm Friday, eclipsing Federica Brignone of Italy by 0.07 seconds. (AP)
Claressa Shields wins fight:
On a milestone night for female boxers, Claressa Shields gave herself rave reviews.
Shields became the first woman to headline a fight card on premium cable, stopping Szilvia Szabados in the fourth round Friday night in their fight for the NABF middleweight championship on Showtime. Referee Harvey Dock stopped the fight 1:30 into the fourth, after Shields had landed a strong left-handed punch to the head of Szabados.
“I put on a good show. I used some good technique. I wasn’t just out there brawling with her,” Shields said. “I showed my skill, I showed my power, and I showed how I box like Sugar Ray Robinson and Joe Louis mixed together.” (AP) Isinbayeva retains doping job: The World Anti-Doping Agency expressed dismay on Friday after one of its leading critics, pole vault great Yelena Isinbayeva, was reappointed to chair the Russian Anti-Doping Agency board.
Isinbayeva was first appointed as chair in December and given a new term on Thursday. Her main task will be to persuade WADA to lift the suspension it gave RUSADA in 2015 over allegations its staff covered up doping. (AP)