TENNIS

Azarenka causes racket, also breaks one during early loss, exit from Madrid Open

Victoria Azarenka lost her temper, broke her racket and argued with the chair umpire in an exit Wednesday from the Madrid Open, where she’s been runner-up the last two years.

Losing to Ekaterina Makarova of Russia 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 in the second round ended Azarenka’s 18-match winning streak to start the season.

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal spoiled Benoit Paire’s 24th birthday by sweeping past the Frenchman, 6-3, 6-4.

Azarenka returned after a two-month layoff because of an ankle injury. She said she felt confused by some refereeing decisions.

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Eyeing a stronger presence in Asia, the Women’s Tennis Association is moving its season-ending championships to Singapore for 2014-18 in a five-year deal worth more than $70 million.

SOCCER

With his 13th Premier League title and 38th major trophy at United secured, Alex Ferguson announced that he is retiring as manager of Manchester United at the end of the season.

Since taking charge at Old Trafford in 1986, the 71-year-old Ferguson’s trophy collection also includes two Champions League titles, five FA Cups, four League Cups and the 2008 FIFA World Club Cup.

CYCLING

GIRO D’ITALIA: John Degenkolb sprinted to victory on the fifth stage of the Giro d’Italia in Matera, Italy, and Luca Paolini retained the overall leader’s pink jersey.

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FOOTBALL

49ERS: The NFL team and Levi Strauss & Co. agreed to a $220 million, 20-year naming rights deal for a new stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

BUCCANEERS: Ronde Barber is retiring after 16 seasons as a standout defensive back, all with Tampa Bay.

HOCKEY

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: Craig Smith had a hat trick and teenager John Gibson was stellar in net to lead the United States over host Finland 4-1 at the hockey world championship.

The Americans moved above Finland in their group — second to Russia.

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PREP SCHOOLS

GIRLS’ SOFTBALL: Berwick Academy rallied from an early deficit to defeat the Landmarsk School 17-7 at Pride’s Crossing, Mass.

Relief pitcher Taylor Lyman shut out Landmark over the final 42/3 innings to earn the win, and she also knocked in four runs.

BOYS’ LACROSSE: Berwick Academy shut out Concord Academy 19-0 at Concord, Mass. Sam Hereford led the attack with seven goals and two assists. Will Reis chipped in three goals and sophomore netminder Luke McNamara turned in his second shutout of the season.

GIRLS’ LACROSSE: Melanie Mait scored four goals to lead host Berwick Academy in a 16-5 win over Beaver Country Day School. Aimee Briand had three goals and an assist for the winners.

– From staff and news services


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