Australian Rod Pampling had four birdies on the front nine and shot his second straight 4-under 67 yesterday to take a four-stroke lead after two rounds of the centenary Australian Open.
Pampling, winner of The International tournament this year, his first US PGA tour victory, missed just two fairways Friday and has only one bogey over two rounds on the tough par-71 The Australian course that hosted the Australian Open when it was held for the first time in 1904. Only nine golfers were under par after two rounds. The halfway cut was made at 7-over 149.
PHOTO: AP
Pampling has an 8-under total of 134. Australian Kurt Barnes, the first-round leader by two shots, had a 1-over 73 Friday and is in second place at 4-under 138.
Australians Brett Rumford and 2001 champion Stuart Appleby are in third, five shots back of Pampling. Rumford and Appleby each had 70s Friday. Paul Gow and Anthony Painter, both of Australia, are tied for fifth at 2-under 140, Gow after a 69 and Painter after shooting 70.
Stephen Dodd shot a two-under-par 70 yesterday to take a three stroke lead after a frigid second round of the China Open, the opening event of the 2005 European PGA tour.
Overcoming rain, gusting winds and temperatures as low as 2? C, the Welshman carded four birdies against two bogeys, chipping in on the eighth hole and draining a 3m putt on the 15th.
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