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■ GOLF

Stenson takes Shanghai lead

Swede Henrik Stenson blended his customary big hitting with some precision putting to card a seven-­under-par 65 for a one-shot first-round lead over a quality field at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai on Thursday. Spain’s Sergio Garcia was left ruing a missed four-foot eagle putt on the 18th that left him sharing second place with the man he wants to replace as world No. 2 this week, American Phil Mickelson, as well as Anthony Kim and Australian Adam Scott. Taiwan’s Lin Wen-tang (林文堂) carded 69 at three under par.



■ CRICKET

Gibbs breaks curfew

Opener Herschelle Gibbs will miss South Africa’s one-day international series against Bangladesh after breaking a team curfew, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said on Thursday. Gibbs broke the curfew before Wednesday’s Pro20 match against Bangladesh in Johannesburg, although he looked in fine touch during the game, hitting four fours in an over and scoring 18 off 10 balls. A CSA statement said the 34-year-old would also have to undergo an alcohol rehabilitation course. “He has been under a lot of pressure lately, notably from the publicity surrounding his recent divorce,” team manager Mohammed Moosajee said



■ BOXING

Pacquiao told to pay up

Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao must cough up US$30,000 within the next 15 days or be stripped of his World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight title, the WBC said yesterday. The WBC’s governors are demanding the fighter pay sanctioning fees they say he owes, or they will take his belt. “Manny Pacquiao is a great champion and the pride of the WBC. But he believes he is the ruler of the organization and that is not going to happen,” WBC president Jose Sulaiman said. “If he doesn’t want to do it, he goes his way and we go our way. He has made a fortune with the WBC. He became famous fighting WBC champions like Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales and now he’s trying to kick us in the back and send us home. We cannot do that,” Sulaiman said. The WBC is also insisting Pacquiao pay US$100,000 within 15 days of his anticipated fight against Oscar De La Hoya or face the same punishment. That non-title fight is scheduled for Dec. 6.



■ SOCCER

FA to probe Barton row

Aston Villa manager Martin O’Neill said on Wednesday the club would talk to soccer chiefs following allegations that Gabriel Agbonlahor was racially abused by Newcastle’s Joey Barton. The Football Association (FA) confirmed on Tuesday that Barton would not be charged for apparently flicking his fingers into the face of Agbonlahor during Newcastle’s 2-0 win over Villa at St James’ Park on Monday. Reports in the British press have since suggested that Barton may have racially abused the striker. O’Neill said his player did not wish to take the matter any further. However, he added the FA did wish to get a view from the club. However, English soccer’s governing body does have the power to take action without having to wait for a formal complaint.


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