■BOXING
Margarito to fight in Texas
Former welterweight champion Antonio Margarito of Mexico has been approved to fight in Texas, clearing the way for his proposed bout against Manny Pacquiao at Cowboys Stadium this fall. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation received an application from Margarito on Monday and decided on Thursday to grant his request. The decision came after Margarito was denied an application to fight in California and had another application tabled in Nevada. Margarito is expected to face Pacquiao for a vacant junior middleweight title on Nov. 13. “I want to thank the state of Texas for granting me a boxing license, which enables me to continue my passion for the sport of boxing in the United States,” Margarito said in a statement. “I have dedicated my life to giving the fans of the sport entertainment and excitement. On Nov. 13, this great opportunity will ultimately be fulfilled.”
■BASKETBALL
Huang hangs up Cavs deal
Chinese businessman Kenny Huang has pulled out of a deal to buy a minority stake in the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA team. A Cavaliers spokesman confirmed on Thursday that the a partnership between the group headed by Huang and the Cavs never materialized. Earlier this month, Huang had also pulled out of a proposed takeover of English Premier League club Liverpool. The Cavaliers minority sale had been expected to be completed last year, pending approval by the NBA’s board of governors, but in May, commissioner David Stern said there were no plans for a league vote and the deal quickly dissolved. The Cavaliers said they will maintain a relationship with Huang’s company for business development in China.
■BASKETBALL
China write off chances
With Houston Rockets All-Star center Yao Ming recovering from a serious foot injury, China have written off their chances at the world basketball championships. China face a baptism of fire against Greece today in their opening game in Turkey, with American coach Bob Donewald insisting his goal was the 2012 London Olympics. “We don’t have Yao. We have many young players in this team. We still need to work and improve,” Donewald told the China Daily after naming his 12-man squad. “The world championship is an important test, but I have my eyes on the 2012 London Olympic Games,” added Donewald, whose team has suffered six heavy warm-up defeats in the build-up to Turkey. Donewald sprang a surprise by axing power forward Li Xiaoyu and including 17-year-old guard Guo Ailun and 20-year-old Yu Shulong in his squad.
■BASKETBALL
Krstic suspended for brawl
Serbian center Nenad Krstic of the NBA’s Oklahoma City Thunder has been suspended for three games and fined 45,000 Swiss francs (US$43,950) over last week’s mass brawl at a basketball tournament in Greece. Fellow countryman Milos Teodosic and Greek players Antonis Fotsis and Sofoklis Schortsanitis were banned for two games, the sport’s governing body said on its Web site on Thursday. The suspensions will keep the four players out of the opening games of the world championships in Turkey, which starts today. The Serbian and Greek federations were also fined SF20,000 apiece. Krstic was arrested before later being released without bail after allegedly hitting Yiannis Bourousis with a chair as the Greek player tried to break up a fight during the Acropolis Tournament final in Athens last Thursday.
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