Nabita wins TT title:

KATHMANDU: Nabita Shrestha beat Sweta Tuladhar in the Under-16 final at the fourth Purnaman Bajracharya Memorial Open Table Tennis Tournament here today. Tuladhar also beat Shrestha in the U-14 final. Other winners were Ashmita Shrestha in girls’ Under-10, Swagat Bhandari in Women’s section (College), Sonu Gupta in boys Under-14 (School), Deepak Nepali on Men’s section (College), and Raj Kumar Shrestha in Corporation section. NSC member secretary Kishor bahadur Singh gave away prizes to the winners. — HNS

Aragones criticises fine:

MADRID: Spain coach Luis Aragones has attacked the Spanish soccer federation’s decision to fine him over a comment about Arsenal’s Thierry Henry and an outburst regarding Britain’s colonial past. Aragones was fined $3,940 for what the federation categorises as the “serious offence” of infringing “sporting decorum and dignity.” While the punishment was far below the maximum penalty, Aragones said it was “unfair.” — AP

Gilbert owns Cavaliers:

CLEVELAND: Detroit mortgage magnate Dan Gilbert assumed majority ownership of the Cleveland Cavaliers, taking over a once troubled NBA franchise saved by star forward LeBron James. Gilbert bought the Cavaliers for $375 million from Gordon Gund. Gilbert heads a principal ownership group that includes Grammy Award-winning rhythm and blues artist Usher; business partner David Katzman; and Gund, who will retain at least a 10-per cent stake. — AP

Austria friendly called off:

VIENNA: The friendly soccer match between Austria and Croatia has been called off because of a frozen pitch. The field at the Ernst Happel stadium is covered in ice and unplayable, Austria team spokesman Wolfgang Eichler said on Wednesday. “Following the latest cold snap with temperatures below minus 20 degrees Celsius, the referee’s inspection proved the pitch was too dangerous to play on,” Eichler said. — AP