■ LCE HOCKEY
Lightning in negotiations
The Tampa Bay Lightning acquired the short-term negotiating rights to Pittsburgh Penguins forwards Ryan Malone and Gary Roberts on Saturday for a conditional draft pick. The deal allows the Lightning to talk exclusively to Malone and Roberts until the NHL free agency signing period begins tomorrow. The Penguins did not feel they could afford to re-sign either Malone, a Pittsburgh native who had 27 goals and 24 assists last season, or the 42-year-old Roberts, who made US$2.5 million last season. Malone is believed to be seeking about US$5 million per season. Pittsburgh are focusing attention on other key components of their Stanley Cup finalist team, including forward Marian Hossa — who wants to test free agency — and defenseman Brooks Orpik.
■ RUGBY UNION
Masoe gets All Blacks call
Powerful Wellington Hurricanes loose forward Chris Masoe was recalled to the All Blacks squad yesterday to cover for injured captain Richie McCaw in the Tri-Nations rugby series. Masoe, who played the last of his 20 Tests when he came on as a replacement during the World Cup quarter-final loss to France, will join the squad for the first two Tri-Nations Tests against South Africa. Coach Graham Henry said the loose forward mix would then be reassessed before the Tests against Australia later in July. “Chris’s experience against South Africa and knowledge of our systems mean he’s the right choice,” Henry said. “But we may want to take a different approach against Australia. We’ll look at form and fitness and the team’s plan again in a couple of weeks.”
■ BOXING
Arroyo hails Pacquiao’s win
Philippine President Gloria Arroyo yesterday hailed Manny Pacquiao as a symbol of Filipino “excellence” after the boxing star knocked out David Diaz in Las Vegas to win the World Boxing Council lightweight crown. Pacquiao floored defending champ Diaz with 36 seconds left in the ninth round to end the fight, becoming the first Asian to win titles in four different weight classes. “Manny once again showed the sterling quality of excellence of a Filipino at his best,” Arroyo said in a statement released by her spokesman. “We rejoice with the whole nation in his victory.” Presidential spokesman Jesus Dureza told reporters Arroyo watched the fight on TV at San Francisco airport as she waited for her flight home after an official visit to the US.
■ VOLLEYBALL
Japan rally to down Poland
Japan came back from two sets down to pull off an upset victory over world silver medalists Poland in the World League men’s volleyball preliminary tournament yesterday. Japan won 29-31, 18-25, 25-19, 25-21, 15-11 for their second win against four defeats in the four-team Group D round robin, which also includes China and Egypt. Poland now have three wins against three defeats.
■ SOCCER
Croatia fined for racism
Croatia’s soccer federation has been fined for the racist behavior of fans at the team’s Euro 2008 quarter-final against Turkey, UEFA said on Saturday. “Croatian fans were guilty of displaying a racist banner and showing racist conduct at the match,” UEFA said in a statement. Turkey won the June 20 game at the Ernst Happel Stadium in Vienna 3-1 on penalties, after a 1-1 draw following extra time. Croatia were fined nearly 12,500 euros (US$19,680).
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