■ Golf
Brothers book Open berths
Teenage Taiwanese brothers Pan Fu-chiang (潘福強) and Pan Cheng-tsung (潘政琮) grabbed two of the four spots available in the inaugural international qualifying event for the China Open in Sanya, China, the Asian Tour said yesterday. Pan Fu-chiang, 18, shot a final round seven-under-par 65 to secure his place in the US$2 million European and Asian tour sanctioned tournament in Shanghai next month, while his brother needed an eagle at the final hole to win his spot.
■ Soccer
Abramoviches divorced
Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich and his wife Irina have divorced in Russia, the couple said. The break-up would not affect Abramovich's corporate interests, including Chelsea Football Club, according to a statement issued on behalf of the pair late on Tuesday. "Mr and Mrs Abramovich have divorced in Russia on a consensual basis and have agreed terms in respect of arrangements for their children and a financial settlement," it said, without disclosing details.
■ Basketball
Bogut apologizes for gesture
Milwaukee Bucks center Andrew Bogut apologized Tuesday for getting "caught up in the heat of the moment" and making an obscene gesture toward the home crowd while leaving the court. The Australian may face disciplinary action from the NBA for the outburst, which came near the end of Milwaukee's 108-93 loss to Toronto on Monday night. Bogut, the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA's annual draft in 2005, was ejected after committing a flagrant foul against Toronto's Chris Bosh with 49 seconds remaining. "Our fans have been very supportive of me since I came to Milwaukee and they certainly didn't deserve my reaction coming off the court. I got caught up in the heat of the moment and let my emotions get the best of me," Bogut said in a statement.
■ Cycling
Pellizotti takes lead
Franco Pellizotti won the second stage of the Paris-Nice cycling race on Tuesday, taking the overall lead from David Millar. Pellizotti of the Liquigas team led a trio of Italian riders over the line, with Daniele Bennati in second spot and Luca Paolini crossing in third. Pellizotti completed the 177km trek from Vatan to Limoges in three hours, 57 minutes and 36 seconds. Bennati and Paolini, also of Liquigas, headed a group of 26 riders all sprinting home two seconds behind Pellizotti.
■ Soccer
Ronaldo steals the show
Cristiano Ronaldo gave a further glimpse of a potentially glittering future as Manchester United paid tribute to their European past on Tuesday. United celebrated 50 years of European competition by beating a Europe XI 4-3 and Ronaldo was the undoubted star of the show in front of 74,343 supporters at Old Trafford in Manchester, England. Bobby Charlton, a member of Matt Busby's team that fulfilled a burning ambition by winning United's first European Cup in 1968, had tipped Ronaldo to be one of the game's great players in the build-up to the showpiece match. The 22-year-old Portuguese international did not disappoint him, with a dazzling display capped by a stunning set-piece goal in his 45-minute appearance which further explained United's desire to secure his long-term future on a new contract.
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