■Tennis
Kournikova sidesteps Paris
Russia's Anna Kournikova and Richard Krajicek of the Netherlands have withdrawn from next week's French Open, tournament organisers said on Thursday. Kournikova cited a leg injury, while Krajicek is still suffering from the elbow problem that has plagued his career since he won Wimbledon in 1996, a statement said. They will be replaced in the draw by lucky losers.
■ Soccer
Qaddafi Jr. eyes Italy
Al-Saadi Qaddafi, son of Libyan leader Muammar Qaddafi and captain of his nation's soccer team, wants to join top-division Italian team Perugia next season, his spokesman said on Thursday. The Libyan's Rome-based spokesman Gianluca Di Carlo said that Perugia president Luciano Gaucci had contacted Al-Saadi Qaddafi regarding the possibility. Perugia officials could not be reached Thursday to confirm this. "The only problem is if he has enough time," Di Carlo said, referring to Al-Saadi Qaddafi's busy schedule.
■ Soccer
British anthem ruled out
Britain's national anthem won't be played before the English soccer league playoff games because a Welsh team is involved, the Football League said on Thursday. The matches, on today, tomorrow and Monday in Cardiff, Wales, have traditionally featured God Save The Queen before kickoff. But league officials are worried the anthem will be booed because Hen Wlad fy Nhadau, Wales' national anthem, isn't being played before Cardiff's division two final against Queens Park Rangers on tomorrow.
■ Football
McNair apologizes for arrest
Tennessee Titans quarterback Steve McNair apologized on Thursday for his arrest hours earlier on charges of drunken driving and illegal possession of a handgun. "This is something I didn't think that would ever happen, but this is something that we've just got to deal with, and I will with the support ... of my teammates, coaches, family and friends," McNair said. "I will get over it." McNair read his short statement while flanked by Titans coach Jeff Fisher, general manager Floyd Reese and president Jeff Diamond. He didn't take any questions and concluded by apologizing to his fans, particularly the children who look up to him. McNair was stopped just after midnight by a police officer who saw his sports utility vehicle weaving on a downtown street. The weapon charge involves a 9mm handgun found in the console between the front seats of his SUV.
■Olympics
Utah receives final check
Olympic organizers handed over the 2002 Winter Games' final payout on Thursday, reimbursing Utah for building the Olympic Village. Organizers wired US$400,000 to the state, the amount remaining from a total of US$31.6 million in Olympic payments that helped pay for construction of living quarters taken over by the University of Utah. The Salt Lake Organizing Committee, which plans to go out of business June 30, paid off its final obligation two years before the money was due. The Winter Olympics left a US$100 million profit plus other benefits for Utah that together come to more than US$250 million.
■ Sumo
Asashoryu on course
Mongolian Asashoryu took a giant step toward his first title as grand champion yesterday when he tripped up Musoyama at the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. With two days remaining in the 15-day tourney at Ryogoku Kokugikan, Asashoryu improved to 12-1 and opened up a two-win lead over ozeki Kaio, who upset Chiyotaikai in an earlier bout to give both wrestlers a record of 10-3. Asashoryu will face Kaio in today's bouts and could wrap up his first Emperor's Cup as yokozuna with a win. Fighting in the day's final bout, Asashoryu used a well-timed leg kick to upend ozeki Musoyama in the center of the ring.
■ Soccer
Vogts picks Scotland squad
Scotland manager Berti Vogts will rest several key players for a friendly match against New Zealand because of club commitments. Thursday, Vogts left out Barry Ferguson, Kenny Miller, Colin Cameron and Neil Alexander from the friendly against New Zealand on Tuesday in Edinburgh. But all four will be available to face Germany in the Euro 2004 qualifier on June 7 at Hampden Park in Glasgow. Ferguson is preparing for the May 31 Scottish Cup final with Rangers, while Miller, Cameron and Alexander are involved in playoff finals in English leagues on tomorrow and Monday.
■ Boxing
Phillips faces ban
Former light-welterweight world champion Vince Phillips could be suspended after testing positive for a banned substance. The British Boxing Board of Control yesterday confirmed that a sample taken from the American fighter on the day of his World Boxing Union title fight against Ricky Hatton in Manchester on April 5 contained the stimulant ephedrine. Ephedrine, also banned by the International Olympic Committee, is sometimes found in cold medications.
Agencies
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely