Germany's Helke Claasen and Antje Roder upset their sixth seed compatriots Sara Goller and Laura Ludwig 21-19, 14-21, 17-15 on Wednesday to secure a spot in the second round of the beach volleyball world championships.
After losing to reigning Olympic and world champions Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh the previous day, South Africa's Judith Augoustides and Leigh-Ann Naidoo rallied to defeat Mika Teru Saiki and Chiaki Kusuhara of Japan 21-16, 23-21. Their victory over the Japanese -- ranked 21st on the World Tour -- kept alive the South African duo's hopes of advancing.
Walsh and May-Treanor, the top-seeded women's duo, downed fellow Americans Rachel Wacholder and Tyra Turner 21-9, 21-14 to secure a place in the next round. Their main rivals, Larissa and Juliana of Brazil, were also sure to advance after beating Lithuania's Inguna Minusa and Inese Jursone 21-19, 21-13.
PHOTO: EPA
On the men's side, the top seeds, Brazilian pair Emanuel and Ricardo, who won gold at last week's Pan American Games on home soil in Rio de Janeiro, won their second match in as many days, defeating Ahren Cadieux and Mark Heese of Canada 21-11, 21-17.
The second seeds Brazilian duo Franco and Cunha defeated Austria's Sebastian Goettlinger and Bernhard Strauss 21-17, 21-14 to lock up a spot in the next round.
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