Softball: Sun strikes out pitcher

SYDNEY - Top New Zealand pitcher Gina Weber was yesterday taken to hospital with a suspected broken nose and possible cheek fracture after problems with glare arose again at the Olympic softball venue in Sydney.

Weber was taken off the pitch by stretcher during the sixth inning of the bronze medal playoff against China in the Fastpitch Cup tournament, which the Chinese won 3-1. New Zealand manager Marilyn Marshall said Weber was on the mound when a ball ricocheted off the ground towards her.

Marshall said NZ's match against Australia on Wednesday was stopped several times because of the glare. Olympic organisers had promised to do something about it before the Games in September.

- NZPA