David Nalbandian of Argentina and home hero Jo-Wilfried Tsonga will contest yesterday’s Paris Masters final with the winner grabbing the final spot in the Masters Cup in Shanghai later this month. Nalbandian, the defending champion here, defeated Nikolay Davydenko of Russia 6-1, 5-7, 6-4 in a topsy-turvy contest. Tsonga had too much power and panache for American James Blake winning at a canter 6-4, 6-3.
That result ended Blake’s Masters Cup hopes, made sure of qualification for seventh-ranked Juan Martin del Potro and means that the winner of yesterday’s final between Nalbandian and Tsonga will complete the eight-man line-up in China. The six others already qualified before Saturday were Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Andy Murray, Davydenko, and Andy Roddick. Nalbandian’s win confirmed the fine vein of form that the eighth seed has struck as he gets ready for his ultimate goal, leading Argentina to their first Davis Cup title against Spain in Mar del Plata later this month.
The muscular South American took up where he left off on Friday in his outstanding quarter-final win against Andy Murray by peppering Davydenko off both flanks.
■BELL CHALLENGE
AFP, QUEBEC CITY, CANADA
American Bethanie Mattek spoiled Aleksandra Wozniak’s bid to become the first Canadian to reach the final of the WTA’s Bell Challenge on Saturday and booked her own first WTA Tour final berth in the bargain. Mattek, the sixth seed, defeated the fifth-seeded Canadian 7-6 (7/4), 6-3 to reach the final of the US$175,000 Tier Three event.
The American faced a tough task in yesterday’s final, taking on top-seeded Russian Nadia Petrova. Petrova, a former world No. 3 now ranked 11th in the world, encountered little resistance in a 6-1, 6-3 victory over US lucky loser Angela Haynes.
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