A South African judge "postponed the murder trial" of Paralympian OSCAR PISTORIUS on Tuesday, and "criticized the media for sensationalist reporting" of the shooting of his girlfriend on Valentine's Day. Pistorius "remained composed" throughout the 10-minute hearing at the Pretoria Magistrates Court when he made his first formal public appearance since his release on bail in February. Judge DANIEL THULARE "postponed the case" until Aug. 19, after prosecutors asked "for more time to prepare their case" (REUTERS, 6/4). ... Japan 2012 Olympic middleweight boxing Gold Medalist RYOTA MURATA "has signed a professional contract with American promoter Top Rank. Murata will be co-promoted by Japan boxing promoter AKIHIKO HONDA's Teiken Boxing and will turn pro in Tokyo in August (ESPN, 6/3). ... Former Bangladesh captain MOHAMMAD ASHRAFUL "confessed to match-fixing on Tuesday," after being suspended by the Bangladesh Cricket Board pending an investigation. Ashraful: "I confessed to all the charges...in the interest of cricket. I'll accept any punishment given by BCB. I always tried to give my best in cricket but I'm also feeling guilty for my wrongdoings. Please forgive me" (REUTERS, 6/4). ... Australian PM JULIA GILLARD and Minister for Sport KATE LUNDY on Saturday congratulated MOYA DODD on her election to FIFA's exec committee (XINHUA, 6/4). ... South African football personalities "have expressed shock" following the killing of former player PERCY SIBIYA in a car hijacking incident in Midrand last weekend. Sibiya was shot on Saturday. He was 54. He was one of only two South African players' agents accredited by FIFA (SOWETAN LIVE, 6/4). ... Real Madrid President FLORENTINO PEREZ has denied reports striker CRISTIANO RONALDO "has rejected" a new contract (AFP, 6/4).
TAKING A BREAK: Former Bundesliga Bayern Munich Manager JUPP HEYNCKES said that he will "take a break from football management next season," ending speculation he will manage Real Madrid. Heynckes, who will be replaced by former Barcelona coach PEP GUARDIOLA, won the Champions League last month as well as the Bundesliga and Cup double for an unprecedented treble by a German club. Heynckes: "From July 1, I will not take over any club here or abroad. I will recover, think about what has happened in the past weeks and months" (REUTERS, 6/4).
