■CRICKET
Game makes kids nicer
Cricket can make people better behaved and more cooperative, according to research in Britain published yesterday, which might surprise fans following the current Ashes series. The study from Loughborough University in central England looked at the impact of StreetChance, a scheme which encourages young people in tough inner city areas of London to play cricket. It found that the game helped them to boost confidence, improve communication and negotiation skills and take responsibility for decision-making, as well as improving their maths and team work. The StreetChance scheme has been running for a year amd has involved around 7,000 young people. Report co-author Ruth Jeanes said it was having “positive benefits” and that the sessions had “motivated young people.”
■ICE HOCKEY
Kane sorry for cab incident
Chicago Blackhawks star Patrick Kane apologized on Monday for the pain he caused those close to him after his arrest on charges that he and a cousin beat up a cab driver in Buffalo, New York, earlier this month. The 20-year-old Kane said he knows everyone wanted to talk about the Aug. 9 incident, but he could not discuss details because of pending legal proceedings. “Because I put myself in being in the wrong position in the wrong time, I’ve caused a lot of pain for my family and my hometown of Buffalo, the city of Chicago, the Chicago Blackhawks and obviously the great fans we have here in Chicago,” Kane said. “And for that part I sincerely apologize.” A grand jury is expected to decide this week whether Kane should face criminal charges after a dispute that left the cab driver in his hometown bruised and with broken glasses.
■SOCCER
Cadamarteri breaks Hearts
Danny Cadamarteri scored twice on his debut for Dundee United as they began the Scottish Premier League season with a 2-0 win over Hearts at Tannadice on Monday. Defeat was made worse for the visitors when Michael Stewart was sent off in his first match as Hearts captain. Cadamarteri, who made his name in England with Premier League side Everton, put United in front from the penalty spot in the fourth minute after Eggert Jonsson brought down Danny Swanson. The Jambos, 1-0 down, had to play most of the second-half with 10 men when, seven minutes after the break, Stewart’s wild tackle on Scott Robertson led to a second yellow card. Cadamarteri, who joined United from English lower league side Huddersfield, made sure of the points for the home team five minutes from time when he broke from the half-way line and outpaced the defense before slotting home as Hearts keeper Marian Kello rushed off his line.
■BOXING
Pavlik v Williams postponed
Middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik’s fight against fellow American Paul Williams has been postponed because of an injury to his left hand. The WBO and WBC titleholder was scheduled to fight Williams at Boardwalk Hall on Oct. 3, but promoter Top Rank said on Monday that the fight was being pushed back to November. Pavlik (35-1, 31 KOs) has been dealing with a staph infection on his hand that forced the cancellation of a fight earlier this year against Sergio Mora. He hasn’t fought since defending his titles in a lopsided victory over Marco Antonio Rubio in February. Williams (37-1, 27 KOs) is coming off a dominant victory over former junior middleweight champion Winky Wright in April.
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