Abitova finishes first

YOKOHAMA: Russia’s Inga Abitova defeated the Beijing Olympic gold and silver medallists to win the inaugural Yokohama international women’s marathon. The 27-year-old made a break away after passing the 30-kilometre mark and she never faced a serious challenge afterwards, crossing the finishing line in two hours 27 minutes 18 seconds. Japan’s Kiyoko Shimahara came in second in 2:28:51, followed by Beijing Olympic silver medallist and two-time world champion Catherine Ndereba of Kenya third in 2:29:13. — AFP

Beckham’s Galaxy win

LOS ANGELES: Gregg Berhalter and Landon Donovan scored in extra time as the Los Angeles Galaxy secured their berth in Major League Soccer’s title match with a 2-0 victory over Houston. David Beckham’s free kick set up Berhalter’s goal in the 102nd minute. The Galaxy’s triumph in the Western Conference title contest means they will play in their first MLS Cup final since 2005 on November 22 in Seattle against the winner of Eastern Conference final between Chicago and Real Salt Lake. The Galaxy will make their sixth MLS Cup final appearance since the league began in 1996. The Galaxy won championships in 2002 and 2005. — AFP

Bourdy triumphs

HONG KONG: Unheralded Frenchman Gregory Bourdy survived Rory McIlroy’s back-nine charge to win the UBS Hong Kong Open by two shots from the Northern Irishman on Sunday. Bourdy completed the tournament at 19-under-par 261, two shots better than McIlroy, who finished runner-up for the second straight year but had the consolation of going to the top of the European Tour’s money list. McIlroy’s second-place finish was enough to move him to the summit of the Order of Merit with just one tournament — next week’s Dubai World Championship — remaining in the season. It was the Frenchman’s third European Tour title of his career. — AFP

Pacquiao beats Cotto

LAS VEGAS: Filipino challenger Manny Pacquiao won the World Boxing Organization welterweight title here on Saturday by stopping Puerto Rican champ Miguel Cotto 55 seconds into the 12th round. Pacquiao became the first fighter to win seven world titles in seven weight classes. — AFP

Van Persie injured

THE HAGUE: Robin van Persie could be sidelined for weeks after injuring his ankle during the Netherlands’ 0-0 draw with Italy this weekend. The Arsenal striker was stretched off the pitch after being tackled by Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini 14 minutes into the game at Pescara. Dutch coach Bert van Marwijk believes the player has torn ligaments, which the ANP news agency estimated could sideline the player for weeks or even months. “It’s a hard blow for him because he was in the form of his life,” said van Marwijk. — AFP

New Zealand qualify

WELLINGTON: The New Zealand men’s hockey team capped a successful weekend for the South Pacific nation on Sunday when they joined their football counterparts as World Cup qualifiers. New Zealand booked their ticket to February’s hockey World Cup in India when they came from behind to beat Malaysia 2-1 in the final of the qualifying tournament. While New Zealand’s 1-0 football win over Bahrain on Saturday to qualify for the World Cup in South Africa was considered a surprise result, the hockey team were expected to qualify without difficulty. — AFP