■ SOCCER
Expats on the ball
The next round of the Tavern Premier League kicks off in Taipei tomorrow morning. The scheduled fixtures are Shane FC vs Celts FC at 9:30am; Taipei Animals vs Taipei Eagles at 11:30am; local team Taipei Football Club (TFC) vs Japan Football Club (JFC) at 1:30pm; and Da'an Cartel FC vs Carnegies Taipei FC at 3:30pm. All games take place at the Yingfeng Sports Park, next to Dajia Riverside Park, off Binjiang Street in Taipei.
■ SOCCER
Brazil gets World Cup nod
FIFA, has supported Brazil as the sole candidate for the 2014 World Cup after an inspection of potential sites, in a report released on Thursday. "It would be appropriate to choose Brazil as the host nation for the 2014 World Cup," said FIFA's inspection group in the report. "Brazil has proved its potential and shown itself capable of organizing an exceptional FIFA World Cup." The Brazilian Football Federation (CFB) must officially present its candidacy for the World Cup 2014 at FIFA headquarters in Zurich next Tuesday. The executive committee will also choose the host nation for the 2011 Women's World Cup between candidates Germany and Canada.
■ CRICKET
Jamaica win day-night game
Jamaica beat Guyana in the Caribbean's first competitive day-night match at the Three Ws Oval just outside Bridgetown, Barbados, on Thursday. Guyana made 159 for nine from their allotted 43 overs after a damp outfield had delayed the start. The floodlights were switched on before the end of the Guyana innings and Jamaica reached their target for the loss of three wickets with nearly three overs to spare in the first semi-final of the premier one-day competition in the West Indies.
■ BASKETBALL
Refs broke gambling rules
NBA commissioner David Stern acknowledged on Thursday that more than half of the league's 56 referees had violated policies about casino gambling, but said none will be punished because he felt the rules were outdated. Instead, Stern said he is altering the policies, leaning toward allowing referees to gamble in casinos during the offseason -- except for betting with sports bookmakers. The league's gambling policies became public during a scandal involving referee Tim Donaghy, who pleaded guilty in August to accepting cash from gamblers for game information and betting on games he officiated. The NBA currently prevents its officials from entering the gaming area of a casino, or any gambling except for horse racing at tracks during the offseason.
■ BOXING
Disgraced boxer's dad quits
Disgraced Japanese boxer Daiki Kameda's father Shiro has quit as a trainer to his trio of sons less than two weeks after being stripped of his license. Daiki was also banned for a year following his violent outburst in an unsuccessful world title bid earlier this month. Koki Kameda, the eldest of the three boxing brothers, confirmed yesterday that his father had decided to quit. Daiki was suspended for punching champion Daisuke Naito while he was down and then moments later slamming him to the canvas during their WBC flyweight title bout in Tokyo. Shiro had his license as a ringside trainer suspended indefinitely for swearing at the referee, while Koki, also working the corner, was caught on television telling his brother to elbow Naito in the eye.
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