■ SWIMMING
Park wins 200m, 1,500m
Park Tae-hwan won the 200m and 1,500m freestyle races at a World Cup short-course swimming meet in Stockholm on Wednesday. The South Korean took the 200m in 1 minute, 43.87 seconds, then the 1,500m in 14 minutes, 36.42 seconds, more than 10 seconds ahead of runner-up Robert Margalis of the US. Sweden's Stefan Nystrand, who set a European record in winning the 100m free in 46.48 seconds on Tuesday, won the 50m free in 21.16 seconds. Eamon Sullivan of Australia finished second in 21.35 seconds.
■ SOCCER
Benelux bid welcomed
A joint bid by Belgium, the Netherlands and possibly Luxembourg to host the 2018 World Cup finals was welcomed by FIFA president Sepp Blatter on Wednesday, the Dutch Football Federation president said. Jeu Sprengers said that far from condemning them for putting together a joint bid, the Swiss supremo of FIFA had been encouraging about it. "Mr Blatter said that we were the first candidates to come to Zurich and show their dossier to FIFA," Sprengers said. "He added that our initiative opened up the way for smaller countries who didn't dare bid on their own."
■ RUGBY LEAGUE
Samoa clinch Cup spot
Samoa became the 10th and last side to qualify for next year's rugby league World Cup when they beat Lebanon 38-16 on Wednesday in the repechage match. Samoa wrapped up victory before halftime as they took a 28-8 lead in at the break with Chris Vaegafa, Tangi Ropati, Nigel Vagana and Frank Puletua touching down in the first half. Lebanon -- who made the last World Cup back in 2000 and beat Wales to get this far -- produced a gutsy display in the second half and ended up with three tries overall through Adham El-Zbaideh, Tom Joseph and Danny Chiha. However, two more tries from Andreas Bauer and Hutch Maiava sealed Samoa's place at the sport's global showpiece in Australia which begins on Oct. 25 next year.
■ SOCCER
Stars will quit: Morientes
Star players will quit the Italian league and move to Spain or England if soccer-related violence continues in Italy, Valencia's international striker Fernando Morientes said on Wednesday. "I am convinced that if the situation stays the same, those who will benefit will be teams in England or Spain because the big names will want to leave a complicated situation like that," he told a press conference. "If I ever get an offer from Italy, I would think twice because the situation right now is very tense," he said, adding Real Madrid's Italian defender Fabio Cannavaro has said he was pleased to be playing in Spain.
■ TENNIS
Murray parts with coach
British No. 1 tennis player Andy Murray has parted company with his US coach Brad Gilbert, it was revealed on Wednesday. Gilbert, a former coach of Andre Agassi, had been coaching the current world No. 11 since July last year after signing a three-year contract with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA). But following speculation of a deteriorating personal relationship, Murray said: "Despite being injured for almost four months this year, I am pleased with my 2007 results and am very grateful for the help that the LTA have given me by providing Brad Gilbert as a coach. But the time has come to move on to the next stage of my career.
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