■ Soccer
Fifteen injured in clashes
Fans clashed with riot police during a Serbian first-division soccer match on Saturday, leaving at least 10 fans and five policemen injured. The riots occurred during a match between Banat Zrenjanin and Red Star Belgrade and started when Red Star fans tried to burst into the stadium without tickets, police said. The match, which Red Star won 4-1, was suspended for about 10 minutes because of the clashes between the baton-wielding police and stone-hurling fans. Two policemen suffered serious injuries from rocks bring thrown, police said. Last Saturday, Red Star fans clashed with police in Belgrade after their side lost to crosstown rival Partizan.
■ Soccer
Terry out of Porto clash
Chelsea captain John Terry will miss the Champions League game against FC Porto tomorrow as he continues his recovery from a head injury sustained during the League Cup final. Terry was accidentally kicked in the face by Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby during the game on Feb. 25. Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says the fact that he had a head injury means it is too much of a risk for him to play. "JT to play against Porto? No chance," Mourinho said on Saturday. "The man is before the player. JT is more important than a football result and we don't risk him."
■ Cricket
`Dizzy's' future uncertain
Jason `Dizzy' Gillespie is Australia's fifth most prolific Test wicket-taker and scored an unbeaten double-century in his last Test but the paceman does not have a playing contract for next season, reports said yesterday. Gillespie said he has yet to receive an offer from his state side South Australia and may have to go on the open market to prolong his cricket career. The 31-year-old has taken 25 wickets at 26.96 in Australia's Sheffield Shield this season and played the most recent of his 71 Tests 10 months ago. "I don't know where I stand with South Australia, whether I'm required for next year. I guess I'll find out pretty soon," Gillespie told the Sunday Telegraph newspaper.
■ Athletics
Runner in serious condition
One runner was in serious condition yesterday after tens of thousands braved steamy conditions and pollution warnings to take part in the annual Hong Kong marathon. Organizing committee chairman William Ko said the runner was "considered rather serious" but did not have further details. Thirty-four people were taken to hospital and five were under observation, he said. Pollution levels hovered at medium to high according to Hong Kong's air pollution index. Relative humidity was 95 percent in temperatures of about 25oC. Kenyan Steven Loruo Kamar won the men's event in 2:17.03 sec and countrywoman Rose Kembo Nyangacha was the fastest woman in 2:38.19.
■ Golf
Singh wins Asian award
India's Jeev Milkha Singh has been named as the Johnnie Walker Asian Player of the Year for last year. Thai star Chinarat Phadungsil picked up the Asian Rising Star Award. Singh enjoyed a terrific season last year, winning four times around the world. He lifted his first Asian Tour's Order of Merit crown and rose to 37th place in the world rankings. Chinarat, 18, is one of Asia's most promising talents and triumphed at last year's Crowne Plaza Open in China.
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