Sports Shorts

Liverpool survives Cardiff scare to win English soccer cup

Liverpool won the English League Cup for the eighth time yesterday but was given a huge fright by Championship opponent Cardiff City, which snatched a goal deep into extra time to salvage a 2-2 draw before going down 3-2 in a penalty shootout. There were hugely contrasting emotions for Liverpool skipper Steven Gerrard, who lifted the trophy in his first club match at Wembley, and his cousin, Cardiff substitute Anthony Gerrard, whose missed spotkick handed Liverpool the victory. After Ben Turner's goal near the end of extra time took the 52nd League Cup final to penalties, Dirk Kuyt, Stewart Downing and Glen Johnson converted from the spot to take the trophy. (Reuters)

Israeli judoka takes gold in Prague

Judoka Or Sasson took a step yesterday showing he is capable of becoming Israel's next Arik Zeevi. Just two weeks after moving up to the over-100 kg category, the young athlete won a gold medal at the Prague World Cup competition. Sasson defeated his first three Pool "C" opponents before surprising Hao Wang of China in the quarterfinal to win. In the semifinal he overcame Group D winner Adam Okroashvili of Georgia. In the final he conquered Cuban Oscar Brayson with an ippon in just 41 seconds. Because he has yet to accumulate many points at his new weight, World No. 39 Sasson will have to win the European Championship and may also have to move up to the No. 22 spot in the world to qualify for the Olympics. (Rami Hipsh)

State Cup semi in volleyball pits Mac. Tel Aviv, Hap. J’lem

The first semifinal of the State Cup volleyball tournament pits Maccabi Tel Aviv and Hapoel Jerusalem tonight in Hadera. Maccabi has held the cup for the past four years. Mateh Asher and Hapoel Kfar Sava meet tomorrow in the other semifinal. (Rami Hipsh)

Rivkin claims a rhythmic gymnastics bronze in Moscow

Neta Rivkin took bronze in the clubs event of the rhythmic gymnastics Grand Prix in Moscow yesterday. In the other events, Rivkin finished fifth. (Rami Hipsh)

Nats’ Zimmerman gets $100m deal

The Washington Nationals and third baseman Ryan Zimmerman have agreed to a six-year, $100 million extension with a full no-trade clause, Major League Baseball's website reported yesterday. There is also a club option for $24 million for Zimmerman, who has two years and $26 million left on his current contract, mlb.com said. (AP)