■ OLYMPICS
IOC considers skateboarding
Skateboarding could make its Olympic debut at the 2012 London Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said on Friday it has held discussions with cycling's world governing body about introducing skateboarding as a discipline for the London program. Skateboarding events are part of the X Games, and the IOC is eager to modernize the Olympic program with sports and disciplines that appeal to youth. It has already added snowboarding to the Winter Games and BMX cycling for next year's Beijing Olympics. "The IOC wants to make the program relevant for young people," IOC spokeswoman Emmanuelle Moreau said.
■ TENNIS
Molik's woes turn to joy
Alicia Molik put her injury woes behind her when she partnered Mara Santangelo to capture her first grand slam doubles title in over two years at the French Open on Friday. The Australian-Italian duo overcame seventh seeds Katarina Srebotnik and Ai Sugiyama 7-6 6-4 to claim their first major trophy together. Molik put away a smash on match point and jumped into the arms of Santangelo as the 17th seeds bounced around court to celebrate their victory over their Slovenian and Japanese opponents. "You saw our joy out there on the courts. That's how much it means to both Mara and I," said Molik, who missed the first six months of last season with an inner ear infection. "It's obviously been a long journey for me, back from an injury and it's moments like these that you really pinch yourself and realize why you put in those long hours of practice, and why you work so hard and diligently. It's a great achievement for both of us."
■ MOTORCYCLING
Three die at TT races
A rider and two spectators died in the final event of the Isle of Man TT on Friday in a crash that cast a pall over the 100th anniversary celebrations of the sports oldest and deadliest road races. The official TT Web site named the rider as 34-year-old Briton Marc Ramsbotham, a married man and newcomer to the event. One spectator died at the scene of the accident, the 26th milestone on the mountain course, and another later in hospital. Two more were injured. The Norfolk rider was competing in the six-lap Senior TT (Tourist Trophy), a blue riband event watched by tens of thousands of visitors to the island as well as former champions including John Surtees and Giacomo Agostini.
■ SOCCER
Players donate to charity
England's players have agreed to donate their international wages to charity, according to a report in yesterday's Daily Mail. A new Team England Footballers' Charity has pledged a minimum of ?1 million (US$1.98 million) over the next four years to good causes, the newspaper said. "I am not going to say we are saving the world or that we should have haloes fitted but as a group the England players wanted to make a difference," David Beckham's manager Terry Byrne told the Mail. "Some people will look at this and say, `what's ?50,000 to someone who can earn that in a week?' But the players didn't have to do this, they chose to. They wanted to do some good." Brian Barwick, chief executive of the Football Association, backed the move by the players. "I am obviously very pleased the whole squad has taken this initiative," Barwick said. Among the charities set to benefit is the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research, named after the late captain of the 1966 England World Cup-winning team.
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