■SOCCER
Chelsea still eyeing Robinho
Chelsea chief executive Peter Kenyon believes his club could still sign Robinho even though Real Madrid insist the Brazilian is not for sale. Robinho is believed to be keen to move to Stamford Bridge and, although Real have turned down an offer from Chelsea for the 24-year-old, Kenyon is confident they can still sign him before the end of the transfer window. Real Madrid boss Bernd Schuster’s claim that Robinho will not be sold at any price got short shrift from Kenyon, speaking at the press conference to announce Frank Lampard’s new contract. “It is continuing. Hopefully not for as long as the speculation about Frank,” he said. “We’ve still got a few days left of the window and hopefully we’ll get a result.”
■BASKETBALL
Kobe’s jersey No. 1 in China
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers had the top-selling NBA jersey in China for the second consecutive season. Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce of the champion Boston Celtics moved into the top five on the list. Garnett, who had the most popular jersey in the US this season, was second, while finals MVP Pierce was fourth. Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets ranked third for the second consecutive season. Allen Iverson of the Denver Nuggets dropped from second to fifth. Yao Ming’s (姚明) jersey wasn’t so popular at home this season. The Houston star fell from sixth to 10th.
■SOCCER
World Cup costs soar further
South Africa’s 2010 World Cup preparations have been hit by overruns in stadium construction costs, but all venues are on track to be completed on time, a government official said on Wednesday. Stadium construction costs have ballooned from 7.8 billion rand (US$985 million) in 2004 to 9.2 billion rand. “There has been cost overruns in a number of stadiums currently built around the country, but all will be ready in time for the World Cup,” South African Deputy Minister of Finance Jabu Moleketi said. A government report indicated that the stadiums being built from scratch will be ready before the FIFA deadline on December next year. Deputy Commissioner of Police Andre Pruis said police intelligence officers were working closely with Interpol and European police departments ahead of the World Cup. “International agencies are helping us compile an active database of undesirable people. This includes a broad and active list that includes the so-called hooligans,” Pruis said.
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Newcastle owes millions
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has revealed the club owes £27 million (US$50 million) on transfer deals concluded before he bought the Magpies in last year. “There is still £27 million ... to pay on transfers that were done before I came,” Ashley told Newcastle’s official club magazine. Ashley also admitted he had not properly examined Newcastle’s finances before buying the club. “We first heard about the potential sale on a Saturday and had the deal done by the Wednesday, so if you are asking if we did due diligence before buying, then the answer has to be no,” Ashley said. The English businessman said he had invested £100 million since buying the club for £140 million. Ashley still attends matches in a replica shirt. “I wear my strip and go in with the fans because that’s how I’ve always gone to football and I enjoy it,” Ashley said. “Nothing beats the atmosphere of being in with the fans.”
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