■ SOCCER
Becks wants more caps
Former England captain David Beckham confirmed his desire to extend his international career yesterday. The 32-year-old said he is not planning to quit the national team with 99 caps. "I want to go on and I believe I can," he said. "I've got the experience and passion to still play for my country. I hope when the next manager comes in he will give me the chance."
■ SOCCER
Hamburg take points
Hamburger SV shook off the news last week that coach Huub Stevens will leave the team and beat Hansa Rostock 2-0 on Sunday in the Bundesliga. Rafael van der Vaart scored in the 19th minute and Ivica Olic headed in the second in the 61st as Hamburg moved even with Werder Bremen. Both are just a point behind leader Bayern Munich. Stevens, given much of the credit for turning Hamburg into a winning side, will coach PSV Eindhoven next season to be close to his ailing wife in the Netherlands. Van der Vaart finished Hamburg's first chance, taking a pass from Romeo Castelen and rifling a low shot inside the opposite post. Olic headed in Piotr Trochowski's cross as Hamburg had an easy time against Rostock, a slot above the relegation zone. Also on Sunday, FC Nuremberg extended Borussia Dortmund's winless streak to five matches with a 2-0 win.
■ Swimming
Bal clinches top spot
American swimmer Randall Bal won the 50m backstroke in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on Sunday to clinch first place in the overall short-course World Cup final. Bal clocked 23.62 seconds to total 186 points and take home US$100,000 in prize money. Stefan Nystrands of Sweden was second with 101 points. Thiago Pereira of Brazil, who won the 200m medley in 1 minute, 54.58 seconds, came third with 96 points. In the women's event, Therese Alshammar of Sweden, who won the50m butterfly in 25.69 seconds, took first place with 160 points to earn the same prize money. Natalie Coughlin, who won the 100m medley in 59.81 seconds on Sunday, was second with 110 points. Marleen Veldhuis of the Netherlands was third with 65 points. Sunday's event was the seventh and last meet of the competition that began on Oct.19 and was held in seven cities around the world.
■ Rugby Union
Henry to fight for job
Graham Henry has decided to fight for his job as All Blacks rugby coach, adding his name to a list of candidates for the position before applications closed yesterday. Henry and co-coaches Wayne Smith and Steve Hanson guided the All Blacks to outstanding success in three years from 2003, before presiding over New Zealand's worst-ever World Cup campaign in France this year. The New Zealand rugby union decided, after assessing the performance of the coaching trio earlier this month, to invite applications for the All Blacks job and to make the appointment of the next coach through a "contestable process" in which Henry was invited to participate. The union's decision amounted to a lukewarm endorsement of Henry, Smith and Hansen, who guided the All Blacks to 42 wins from 48 Tests over four years, and opened the position to other candidates. Successful Super 14 coach Robbie Deans has already applied along with Junior All Blacks coaches Ian Foster and Colin Cooper.
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