■ Boxing
Champion gives up title
Lightweight World Boxing Association champion Leonard Dorin of Romania lost his title Friday after exceeding the weight limit for his category at the weigh-in before his scheduled match against Miguel Callist of Panama, a senior boxing official said. Dorin was to defend his title against No. 1 contender Callist late Saturday, but was declared 2kg over the 61.235kg limit. WBA regulations say the former champion is allowed to fight Callist, said Nicolae Bud, general secretary at the Romanian Boxing Federation. However, even if he wins, he won't get the title back, whereas if Callist wins, the latter would take possession of the belt. A formal decision on whether the bout would take place was expected later in the day. Before the weigh-in Friday, Dorin said he would not defend his title because of a strenuous training program.
■ Golf
Three men share the lead
Three players shared the clubhouse lead at 9 under Friday in the Telefonica Open, but England Paul Casey's was at 13 under through 15 holes when second-round play was suspended by darkness. The start of the round was delayed for two hours because of frost, and Casey and the bulk of the field will complete play on Saturday morning. Paul Lawrie and fellow Scot Stephen Gallacher and Australia's Peter Fowler finished in time to share the clubhouse lead at the Club de Campo on the outskirts of Madrid. Lawrie, who started at the 10th hole, made five birdies for a 7-under 64, including a superb 40-foot effort over two levels on the 9th. Gallacher also shot 64, and Fowler birdied hole Nos. 1, 3, 4, 13 and 15 for a flawless 66 and a 9-under total of 133. Ireland's Padriag Harrington finished at 4 under, and England's Lee Westwood was at 6 under alongside Dutchman Maarten Lafeber and Australia's Nick O'Hern.
■ Soccer
Gunners' roster unchanged
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is unlikely to make any signings during January's transfer period. Arsenal is still trying to complete funding for a £400 million (US$680 million) stadium project, leaving Wenger without much money for recruits. Goalkeeper Jens Lehmann was the only notable arrival over the summer. The Gunners lead the Premier League ahead of Sunday's match against Charlton, although they're struggling in the Champions League following a 2-1 loss to Dynamo Kiev on Tuesday. "What we want firstly is to win Sunday's match against Charlton," said Wenger. "The team gave everything in Kiev and were disappointed, so it's important that we respond straight away. Then we will see what we can do after Christmas. Wenger was asked about signing unsettled Barcelona striker Patrick Kluivert, whose buyout clause is reportedly £1.3 million (US$2.2 million).
■ Games
India welcomes Pakistan
India's Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani on Friday welcomed Pakistan's participation in the Afro-Asian Games and hailed the restoration of sporting ties with its neighbor. "I was very happy to see Pakistan's players among the teams of sportsmen," Advani said after watching Pakistan participate in the opening ceremony. Advani said the Indian government's decision to resume top-level sporting ties with Pakistan was a positive step. Indian Foreign Minister Yashwant Sinha on Wednesday announced a reversal of the three-year old embargo on top-level sporting exchanges with Pakistan.
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