■SOCCER Robinho gets price tag
Real Madrid will let star Brazilian striker Robinho move to Chelsea for 40 million euros (US$59 million) and claimed the London club offered 32 million euros, sports newspaper Marca reported yesterday. British media on Thursday reported Chelsea offered Real Madrid 25 million euros for an annual salary of 6 million euros. Marca did not reveal their sources. The paper said the 24-year-old and his agent met Madrid club president Ramon Calderon with a 32 million euro bid on the table, adding Calderon reluctantly agreed to let him go for 40 million euros. Marca said Robinho was determined to leave the club and would refuse to play against Valencia tomorrow in the Spanish Super Cup.
■CRICKET
South Africa thrash Lions
South Africa warmed up for next week’s Twenty20 international against England with a four-wicket win over the England Lions at Grace Road in London on Thursday. The England Lions face South Africa again at Derby on today, when they will be led by Middlesex’s Ed Joyce, before the tourists start the one-day series with a Twenty20 International against England at Chester-le-Street next Wednesday. The tourists, who did not field captain Graeme Smith, all-rounder Jacques Kallis, seamer Morne Morkel or wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, got the required runs with 11 overs remaining in this first warm-up match against the Lions.
■RUGBY UNION Reds snare McLinden
Former Canberra Raiders fullback Mark McLinden has become the latest Rugby League player to switch to Rugby Union, signing a two-year deal with Super 14’s Queensland Reds. The 29-year-old had been playing with Harlequins in England’s Super League, but was released from the final year of his contract to return to Australia. He was in the sights of the Raiders, but instead will replace outgoing Reds fullback Clinton Schifcofske. McLinden played 165 matches for the Raiders and will return to Australia at the completion of the Super League season.
■ICE HOCKEY Stevens’ contract extended
The Philadelphia Flyers signed coach John Stevens to a two-year contract extension on Thursday that will keep him with the NHL team through the 2010-2011 season. The 42-year-old Stevens led the Flyers to a remarkable turnaround that included an appearance in the Eastern Conference finals in his first full season as coach. The Flyers posted a 42-11-29 record last season — a 20-win improvement over the 2006-07 season, in which they finished with the league’s worst record. Philadelphia lost to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the Eastern Conference finals.
■RUGBY UNION Australia eyes 2015 Cup
Australia have signaled interest in hosting their third rugby World Cup, after formally lodging an expression of interest with the International Rugby Board (IRB). The IRB had called for countries to indicate their interest in hosting the 2015 or 2019 tournaments with a final decision on both events to be made next July. Australia last hosted the World Cup in 2003, when England claimed the title, and before that in 1987. France hosted last year’s event, and New Zealand are the hosts in 2011. In a press statement released yesterday, the Australian Rugby Union (ARU) said it was simply keeping its options open. “A thorough assessment process would need to be undertaken before considering a full-scale bid,” the statement 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
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