■ Auto Racing
Michelin offers refunds
Tire manufacturer Michelin offered Tuesday to refund money to those who bought tickets for the US Grand Prix, which was boycotted by seven Formula One teams after company officials decided their tires were unsafe for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Michelin also said it would buy 20,000 tickets for the 2006 race to be given to those who attended the June 19 race during which only six of the typical 20 drivers participated. "Michelin deeply regrets that the public was deprived of an exciting race and therefore wishes to be the first, among the different groups involved in the Indianapolis race, to make a strong gesture towards the spectators," the company said. Media reports estimated the US Grand Prix crowd at 100,000.
■ Basketball
Players ratify agreement
National Basketball Association players approved their new labor agreement Tuesday, and Chicago Bulls center Antonio Davis was elected president of the players' association at the union's annual convention. About 60 players were in attendance, and the vote to ratify the broad outlines of the tentative labor agreement was "overwhelmingly in favor," union spokesman Dan Wasserman said. The union reached agreement with the league on a six-year collective bargaining agreement a week ago. It replaces a seven-year pact that expires June 30. Once the new agreement is finalized and put into writing, all players will have the opportunity to vote by mail, Wasserman said. Davis was elected to replace Michael Curry, who is retiring after an 11-year NBA career. Derek Fisher of Golden State was elected to Davis' former post of first vice president, and P.J. Brown was chosen to take Fisher's spot on the union's executive council.
■ Golf
Singapore plans event
Top-ranked Annika Sorenstam of Sweden and South Korea's Grace Park will lead the International and Asian teams in a Ryder Cup-style format golf challenge in Singapore in December, organizers said. The inaugural Lexus Cup will be held Dec. 9-11 at the Tanah Merah Golf and Country Club. Sorenstam will lead the 12-player International team against Park's Asian lineup. Only the captains have been named.
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