■ Swimming
Kevin Berry dies
Kevin Berry, who won a swimming gold for Australia at the 1964 Olympics and set 10 world records during his career, died yesterday at the age of 61 after a fall in a nursing home, Swimming Australia said in a statement. Berry's gold at Tokyo came in the 200m butterfly and followed his three gold medals at the 1962 Commonwealth Games in Perth, Australia. Barry, who had become ill in recent years with an undisclosed illness, was picture editor of the Sydney Morning Herald after he retired from swimming and later became head of Australian Broadcasting Corp sport. Glenn Tasker, the head of Swimming Australia, said the Australian swimming community was shocked by Berry's death.
■ Boxing
Scott Harrison vacates title
Scott Harrison pulled out of his WBO featherweight defense and vacated his title on Wednesday, his trainer and father told Britain's Press Association. Harrison was scheduled to fight Nicky Cook on Saturday in London but Peter Harrison said his son is unable to make weight. The 29-year-old Scottish fighter was arrested for assault in southern Spain on Oct. 6 while training for the bout. He was released on Nov. 13 after paying 28,000 euros (US$37,000) bail and initial medical reports cleared him to fight. "Scott was unable to get under [60kg] and, on medical advice, was advised not to take the fight," Peter Harrison said.
■ Basketball
Pachulia, Taylor suspended
Atlanta's Zaza Pachulia was suspended for one game by the NBA on Wednesday night for an incident involving Seattle center Johan Petro. The 21-year old center from Georgia elbowed Petro of France in the neck and head late in the third quarter in Atlanta's 102-87 loss to the SuperSonics on Tuesday night. Sacramento Kings forward Maurice Taylor, meanwhile, was suspended for five games for violating terms of the anti-doping program. Taylor has been suspended twice previously for substance abuse violations.
■ Soccer
Premiership teams charged
Premiership sides Tottenham and Middlesbrough have been charged by the Football Association (FA) over a brawl which marred Spurs' 2-1 win at White Hart Lane on Tuesday night. The clubs have until Dec. 21 to respond and face a large fine if found guilty. The fracas was triggered by a tackle from 'Boro midfielder George Boateng on Aaron Lennon and involved almost a dozen players. Both Boateng and Tottenham's Didier Zokora were red-carded by referee Mark Halsey.
■ Sevens Rugby
Fiji says tournament still on
Fiji's rugby union chiefs promised yesterday to press ahead with an international sevens rugby tournament next month, despite mounting pressure to isolate the country following the military coup. "Our plans have not changed," Fiji Rugby chief executive Timoci Tavanavanua said. "We are in the process of writing to all the invited teams to reassure them that this tournament will continue as planned and that the safety of players and officials would not be in danger," he said. Fiji, the reigning world sevens champions, has not hosted an international sevens tournament since a previous coup attempt by George Speight in 2000. The New Zealand government, one of the first to impose sanctions on Fiji after Tuesday's coup, said it will hold discussions with sporting organizations.
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