■ FORMULA ONE
Schumacher still the fastest
Michael Schumacher was the fastest in testing on Tuesday in his first return to Formula One racing since retirement. The seven-time F1 champion, who retired at the end of the season last year, went around the Circuit de Catalunya in 1 minute, 21.918 seconds in Ferrari's F2007 car. The 38-year-old Schumacher, who hasn't raced since the Brazilian Grand Prix in October last year, will be joined by current Ferrari driver -- and former teammate -- Felipe Massa as winter testing continues.
■ SOCCER
Whisky offer turned down
France coach Raymond Domenech turned down the offer of a bottle of Scotch whisky from a Scottish journalist in Clairefontaine on Tuesday. The France coach said that the last time he had accepted a bottle of Scotch from another Scottish journalist, his side had lost to Scotland -- the only team to have beaten them twice in the Euro 2008 qualifiers. Scotland play world champions Italy on Saturday in Glasgow and they could give France a headache by qualifying for Euro 2008 by beating the Italians. That would qualify Scotland for their first major international competition in ten years, but defeat for Alex McLeish's side would qualify France even before their final encounter against Ukraine next week.
■ RUGBY UNION
Du Preez to join 'Boks tour
Scrumhalf Fourie du Preez will join the South Africa squad in Britain for their two-match rugby tour after all. However, vice captain Victor Matfield was negotiating a release before the squad leaves tomorrow. Du Preez married last Saturday and told selectors convener Peter Jooste he would join the squad in Cardiff on Monday from his honeymoon. It was thought du Preez might skip the short tour to fix the shoulder injury he has carried since the Super 14, but he will wait until after the tour to decide on whether or not it needs an operation. Matfield was uncertain whether to tour or stay with his family for as long as possible before a stint with French second division club in Toulon, starting in January.
■ SOCCER
Hundreds pay last respects
Hundreds of people on Tuesday paid their last respects to an Italian youth who was shot dead by a policeman during a scuffle between rival soccer supporters at the weekend. Gabriele Sandri, 28, was killed on Sunday at a highway rest area in circumstances that remain unclear. His death sparked violent clashes between soccer supporters and security forces in several Italian cities including Rome, Sandri's hometown. The city provided a public space for mourners to file past Sandri's casket. Hundreds of friends, relatives and a large number of Lazio fans, many wearing scarves with the Roman club's colors, attended.
■ SOCCER
FC Thun players arrested
Twelve current or former players of Swiss club FC Thun were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of having sex with a minor. Nine other men were also taken into custody by police in the Swiss canton of Bern. The men are accused of having sexual relations with a 15-year-old girl. The age of consent in Switzerland is 16. Authorities identified none of the men by name, in line with Swiss privacy laws, but police spokesman Juerg Mosimann said 12 were current or former Thun players. The sexual relations appeared to have occurred on more than one occasion, police said in a statement, adding that the encounters appeared largely consensual.
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