■ Athletics
Liu's shoes gaining value
Liu Xiang, the Olympic 110m hurdle champion and world-record holder, has auctioned his autographed track shoes for 200,000 yuan (US$25,800) at a charity event, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported yesterday. The shoes were bought on Sunday by China Air, and the money will go toward the schooling of migrant children. At a similar event two weeks ago, a pair of Liu's autographed shoes went for 150,000 yuan. Last month, Liu donated an apartment he won to the Special Olympics.
■ Handball
Germany win world title
Germany booked their ticket for next year's Beijing Olympics by winning the men's world handball title for the third time with a 29-24 victory over Poland in Cologne on Sunday. The hosts, who led 17-13 at half-time, maintained their advantage despite being pushed hard by the Poles, who battled back with just a single goal separating the sides with 15 minutes to go. But good defending by Torsten Jansen and substitute keeper Johannes Bitter, who came in for Henning Fritz at the break, ensured Heiner Brand's side took gold and avenged their only defeat in the competition at the hands of Poland in the preliminary round.
■ Soccer
Rooney doubtful for friendly
Wayne Rooney is doubtful for England's friendly against Spain tomorrow after suffering an injury in Manchester United's 4-0 win at Tottenham on Sunday. Rooney came off midway through the second half after taking a knock and United manager Sir Alex Ferguson admitted the striker may not be able to join up with England for the clash at Old Trafford. It is thought Rooney may have sustained a back injury and Ferguson told Sky Sports: "Wayne was injured in a challenge and was limping about for a bit so we had to take him off. I will need to see it and assess him in the morning, but he may be doubtful for the game on Wednesday."
■ Cricket
Nielsen to replace Buchanan
Tim Nielsen will become coach of Australia when John Buchanan retires after next month's World Cup, Cricket Australia said yesterday. Nielsen, 38, is head coach at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane, which includes managing the respected Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) men's cricket program. He took over that role in 2005 after spending three years assisting Buchanan in the coaching of the Australian team. Nielsen, a former wicketkeeper-batsman for South Australia, will begin work in his new role after the World Cup, Cricket Australia said. "I'm incredibly proud, honored and excited to have been offered this opportunity," Nielsen said in a statement.
■ Soccer
Schalke top Bundesliga
Former Glasgow Rangers star Peter Lovenkrands hit both goals as Schalke 04 knocked Werder Bremen off the top of the German league in a 2-0 win on Sunday. The Gelsenkirchen side now have 45 points, three ahead of Werder, while Stuttgart remain third, seven points behind the leaders after a 1-0 win at Borussia Dortmund. Danish striker Lovenkrands opened the scoring in the 20th minute with an acrobatic volley after being set-up by Brazilian Lincoln. He almost had a second in the 38th minute but his rasping 25m drive was well-saved by Werder keeper Andreas Reinke. But an unimpressive Werder side were finished off by Lovenkrands in the 71st minute when he scored from a pass by Kevin Kuranyi.
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