■BADMINTON
Cheng battles to the title
Taiwan’s Cheng Shao-chieh pulled off a dramatic comeback against South Korea’s Bae Seung-hee to defend her title in the women’s singles at the Yonex Badminton Open in Taipei County on Sunday. Cheered on by more than 3,000 fans, Cheng overcome a left thigh injury that sent her to the ground in pain more than 20 times during the match to win 21-11, 24-26, 21-17, after trailing 17-13 in the final set. “Winning the first set so easily, then playing such a tight second set and then coming back from 17-13 down in the third set went completely according to a script. It just wasn’t a script that I wrote. Otherwise, I would have had myself winning in the second set,” Cheng said after the emotional victory. After clinching match-point, Cheng fell to the ground in tears. Cheng said she never thought about trying to defend her title, but focused instead on playing every point solidly. “I’m not the kind of person who has big goals because that would put too much pressure on me,” she said. “I just want to do well every time I play. Otherwise, I would be letting down the fans who are supporting me. I was very moved by their support.”
■BASKETBALL
Obama plays ‘dream team’
US President Barack Obama on Sunday sparred with a “dream team” of current and former basketball stars, before holding a belated birthday barbecue for friends, family and hoop stars on the White House lawn. Obama celebrated his 49th birthday on Wednesday in his adopted home town of Chicago. Before the barbecue, which featured Gulf of Mexico seafood, the US president indulged in his favorite sport at a military sports arena in Washington with several NBA stars. The White House said Obama traded passes and scuffles with the likes of Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers), LeBron James (Miami Heat), Carmelo Anthony (Denver Nuggets) and 50-year-old former NBA star Earvin “Magic” Johnson. In all, Obama sparred with 16 basketball stars, past and present, of both the NBA and the university circuit, including the University of Connecticut’s Maya Moore, the White House said. After the pick-up game, Obama, some of his fellow players and a number of personal friends attended the White House barbecue.
■FOOTBALL
Cowboys beat the Bengals
Dallas forced four turnovers, got three field-goals from David Buehler and an interception return for a touchdown by Brandon Sharpe in a 16-7 victory over Cincinnati to open the NFL preseason on Sunday in the Hall of Fame game. One night after Emmitt Smith joined Troy Aikman and Michael Irvin in the hall, the Cowboys used defense to beat the Bengals. Tony Romo was five-for-10 for 59 yards on his only series, which Buehler capped with a 20-yard field goal. Buehler also connected from 34 yards and 23 yards, while Sharpe took an interception six yards for their only touchdown. Former Cowboys receiver Terrell Owens had two receptions for 18 yards in a short stint for the Bengals, who got five sacks, but also committed 12 penalties for 90 yards.
■CYCLING
Sanchez takes Tour title
Spain’s Samuel Sanchez of the Euskaltel-Euskadi team won the Tour of Burgos in northern Spain on Sunday after sprinting to victory in the fifth and final stage. The Olympic road race champion, who finished fourth in the Tour de France, beat compatriot Ezequiel Mosquera by one second after the 155km ride from Areniscas de los Pinares to Lagunas de Neila. Mosquera was also second overall, ahead of Italy’s Vincenzo Nibali.
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