The Sport Matrix: Monday 9 February 2015

Christie claims silver in Dresden

Briton Elise Christie took 500m silver in the World Cup short track speed skating event in Dresden, Germany.

Italy’s Arianna Fontana won gold, with China’s Fan Kexin claiming bronze.

The result left Christie, 24, sixth in the overall 500m rankings and meant Fan has secured the overall title with one World Cup event left.

Christie, who won her first European Championship title last month, took two bronzes in the previous World Cup competition in South Korea in December. Compatriot Charlotte Gilmartin came second in the 1500m B final.

Radford radiant after opening win

Lee Radford praised his Hull side after they surprised Huddersfield 19-0 on the opening weekend of the Super League season. Jamie Shaul went over twice for a first win at the John Smith’s Stadium in six years. “I think I’m second favourite now to get the sack,” he joked of pre-season predictions. “We warranted the result. We were very gritty. For me, the most pleasing aspect was the team performance.”

North knockouts to be examined

The lack of care given to Wales wing George North during Friday’s Six Nations match with England remains in question, with World Rugby and the Rugby Players’ Association seeking answers. The player was struck accidentally by both Dave Attwood and Richard Hibbard during the defeat.

Barry gives Ivory Cup after shoot-out

Goalkeeper Boubacar Barry scored the winning penalty as the Ivory Coast secured the African Cup of Nations after a marathon shoot-out against Ghana. After 120 goalless minutes of little action, the Bata match went to spot-kicks, with 22 required to settle the match. The Ivorians missed their first two before Ghana erred. Barry saved the 21st kick, from Brimah Razak, then scored the winner for an 9-8 win.

Rangers crash out of Cup at home

A 2-1 home reverse to Raith Rovers handed Rangers a sixth defeat in 11 matches, leaving caretaker manager Kenny McDowall to apologise. It was the second Cup exit in a week for the Ibrox club, following last week’s League Cup defeat to Celtic. “[We] apologise that we have been knocked out of another cup,” he said. “[The fans] pay good money, and it’s our job to get a win and we have failed. So we apologise for that.”