■OLYMPICS
Twain lights cauldron
Shania Twain carried the Olympic torch the final 350m into Hollinger Park, cheered on by thousands of parka-clad fans who turned out in arctic conditions to see the hometown hero in person in Timmins, Canada, on Friday night. After making her final turn toward the stage, Twain paused, held the torch aloft in her mittened left hand, and waved to the crowd. The country star then bounded the final few yards onto the stage, where she lit the Olympic cauldron. “I feel proud, very proud,” Twain said. “It’s a highlight of my life to be able to carry the flame, to light the cauldron.” At minus 16ºC and windy, it was so cold that when a dozen red beach balls were tossed into the crowd, the balls came apart within seconds. “I know that sounds crazy, but it wouldn’t be Timmins if it wasn’t 40 below with the wind chill factor!” Twain said.
■CYCLING
Contador to race Algarve
Reigning Tour de France champion Alberto Contador confirmed on Friday he will start this season with the Tour of the Algarve cycling race in Portugal next month. “Last year I liked the race and I think it’s ideal to start the season,” said the Spaniard, who is the reigning champion in the Portuguese race. “Then I’ll go to the Paris-Nice [beginning of March] where we’ll be mainly looking to work on a team level, notably on tactical coordination,” he said. Contador, winner of the Tour de France winner in 2007 and last year, added that he was also counting on competing in the Tour of Catalonia from March 22 to March 28 and the Tour of the Basque Country from April 5 to April 10. But he added: “I’m leaving the door open on the classics, we’ll decide on that later.”
■SOCCER
Everton suspend Jo
Premier League club Everton said Friday they have suspended Brazilian striker Jo for a breach of club discipline after he made a trip back to his homeland without permission. Jo joined the struggling Toffees on a season-long loan deal from Manchester City but the ban throws into some doubt his future at Goodison Park. “Jo went back to Brazil without permission from the football club. He is now back but is suspended at the present time,” coach David Moyes said. “I am disappointed. We like Jo, he has been a really good lad and we have enjoyed having him. But there has to be discipline at all football clubs. He left over a busy period when we were short of players. I found it very difficult so he is suspended from the club.” Jo joined City from CSKA Moscow for £18 million (US$28.62 million) in July 2007. The tricky but lightweight forward has struggled this season, failing to score in the Premier League and mustering just two goals in cup competitions.
■SOCCER
Sanchez has heart problems
Sevilla defender Sergio Sanchez has a heart condition that requires him to cease all physical activity for the time being, the La Liga club said on their Web site on Friday. The 23-year-old former Espanyol player has traveled to Barcelona to be with his family and will have further tests there, the club said. Spanish players called for improvements in screening procedures for heart problems following the death of Espanyol defender Dani Jarque in August, two years after Sevilla midfielder Antonio Puerta collapsed during a game and later died after a prolonged cardiac arrest.
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