■ 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.
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