■ TENNIS
Roddick to skip Olympics
World No. 6 Andy Roddick has decided to miss this year's Olympic Games in Beijing to defend his Washington Open title. Both events take place from Aug. 11 to Aug. 17 and Roddick wants to remain in his home country to help his build-up for the US Open, which begins two weeks later. "My goal every summer is to win the US Open," the 25-year-old US player said in a statement released on Tuesday by Washington Open organizers. "I have won the Legg Mason Tennis Classic three times and feel defending my title in Washington best prepares me for another grand slam title."
■ CRICKET
Harmison and Hoggard axed
England have axed experienced pace bowlers Steve Harmison and Matthew Hoggard in a bid to save the Test series against New Zealand after their humiliating 189-run first Test loss. Harmison was widely expected to lose his place for the second Test starting here today but the dropping of Hoggard was more of a surprise. James Anderson returns for his 21st Test after getting some match practice last week playing for Auckland in New Zealand's first class cricket. Also back is Stuart Broad, who made his Test debut against Sri Lanka last year. Harmison and Hoggard, with 124 Test caps between them, struggled in the first Test, taking a combined two wickets at the cost of 278 runs.
■ BASEBALL
Selig earning US$14.5m
Major League Baseball commissioner Bud Selig earned about US$14.5 million in its latest fiscal year, roughly the same as the previous year. Selig received US$14,515,071 in compensation during the 12 months ending Oct. 31, 2006, according to MLB's tax return, which the commissioner's office released on Tuesday. That was up from exactly US$14.5 million in the 12 months that ended Oct. 31, 2005. MLB's contribution to Selig in its benefit plan was US$400,999, up from US$82,843 in the previous fiscal year, and Selig received US$140,603 in expense account and other allowances, an increase from US$20,184. MLB's return did not list compensation for other top officials.
■ FORMULA ONE
FIA to use hybrid technology
Formula One teams will start using hybrid technology next year to help the automotive industry build more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cars. Max Mosley, the president of world motor racing federation FIA, said at the Geneva Motor Show on Tuesday that F1 will introduce a new kinetic energy recovery system in engines in two years, which is meant to lead to better energy use in regular vehicles. Mosley also launched the FIA's "Make Cars Green" campaign, which calls on the UN to adopt a worldwide target for carbon emissions in passenger cars.
■ SOCCER
Bayern plan Asian tour
Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich have announced plans for a 10-day tour of Asia in May as the German giants look to raise their profile in the region. On May 18, the day after their final Bundesliga game, Bayern will fly to Indonesia to play the national side on May 21 before taking on the Chinese Olympic side on May 24 and will play Indian side Mohan Bagun on the way home. The tour will be the last appearance of former Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn, who will finish his career at the end of the season. "The Asian market is very important, if not the most important in the world," Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge said.
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
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and