Sports Briefs

RHYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

Son breaks an all-career record at Lisbon FIG event

Korean rhythmic gymnast Son Yeon-jae topped her career-best score in ball and clubs in the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG) World Cup in Lisbon, Portugal yesterday.

Son scored 18.550 points in both ball and clubs, surpassing her previous career record she captured two days earlier on Saturday in hoop by 0.050 points.

Son grabbed silver in both ball and clubs. In ball, Son performed with music from the movie “The Godfather” and scored 18.550, 0.450 points behind Aleksandra Soldatova of Russia, who scored 19.000 to clinch gold. In clubs, Son placed second after Ganna Rizatdinova of Ukraine who outscored Son by 0.050 points at 18.600. Son earned the bronze medal in hoop with the score of 18.500 after Soldatova at 18.650 and Rizatdinova at 18.600.

Son placed fourth in the individual all-around on Saturday.

Son plans to travel to Russia for training to prepare for the World Cup competition that takes place in Pesaro, Italy, starting on April 1.

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

Giants shortstop Lee sent to spend more time in minors

San Francisco Giants shortstop Lee Hak-ju’s dream of playing in the Majors was yet again deferred as the team sent Lee to the minors yesterday.

Lee played in 13 Cactus League games and had a .286 batting average, 4-for-14, with three runs batted in and one steal.

The 25-year-old baseball player initially joined the American league out of high school in 2008 by signing with Chicago Cubs. After moving to Tampa Bay Rays in 2010, Lee was recognized for his speed and defensive capabilities. Lee was even listed in the All-Star Future Games, a matchup of top minor league prospects created by Baseball American. However, Lee tore multiple knee ligaments in 2013 while playing for the Triple-A Durham Bulls, which halted his entry to the Big League.

Lee was signed by the Giants last year and joined the spring camp with an invitation by the club. His prospect for the Majors, however, seemed difficult from the get-go as Gold Glove-winning shortstop Brandon Crawford stood in his way. Lee will start this season playing in the Triple A for the Sacramento River Cats.

By Choi Hyung-jo

GOLF

Under Palmer’s watchful eye, Day wins invitational

ORLANDO, Fla. - Jason Day turned his fortunes at just the right time Sunday by making a 12-foot birdie putt and then saving par from just under 100 feet away in a bunker to win the Arnold Palmer Invitational.

It was another great moment for Palmer, the 86-year-old tournament host who watched it unfold on the 18th green.

Day closed with a 2-under 70 for a one-shot victory over Kevin Chappell, who looked as if he might finally win in his 150th start on the PGA Tour. Chappell didn’t flinch the entire back nine until his tee shot was buried in deep rough on the 18th, forcing him to lay up. He hit wedge to 25 feet and was ready to putt when he heard the big roar when Day made birdie on the 17th to tie for the lead. AP