Lyon defeated Bordeaux 2-1 on Sunday to surge seven points clear at the top of the French league. First half goals from Karim Benzema and Kim Kallstrom gave Claude Le Puel’s side a big fillip in their pursuit of the French title.
The win followed Marseille’s implosion at the Stade Velodrome 24 hours earlier. Eric Gerets’ men had victory for the taking, leading 2-0 with less than a quarter of an hour remaining only for Lorient to recover to win 3-2.
Lyon’s Karim Benzema drew first blood scoring in the 33rd minute. Bordeaux’s woes deepened five minutes later after Kallstrom took on the defense down the left before unleashing a shot which dipped just under the crossbar.
Bordeaux reduced the deficit in the 80th minute through substitute Fernando Cavenaghi but it was too little, too late.
In Sunday’s other games, Nice beat Nantes 2-1 and Rennes defeated Monaco by the same margin to go third, a point behind Marseille who were sailing to victory against Lorient after goals from Karim Ziani and Mamadou Niang.
Then followed a collapse of seismic proportions as Lorient hit back with three goals inside 11 minutes.
Morgan Amalfitano, in the 76th minute, and then Fabrice Abriel, pulled the visitors from Brittany back on level terms before Kevin Gameiro grabbed the winner three minutes from time.
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