George Coetzee of South Africa took advantage of ideal conditions to earn a one-stroke lead in the first round of the Austrian Open after shooting a seven-under 65 on Thursday.
Playing early in the morning before gusting winds made conditions tougher at Diamond Country Club, Coetzee made eight birdies and only one bogey to bolster his hopes of retaining his European Tour card.
Although small by main European Tour standards, Sunday’s 125,000 euros (US$163,000) winner’s check would be welcomed by Coetzee, who lies 142nd on the money list in his first season.
Equally eager to earn a big check towards keeping his playing card will be Jose Manuel Lara, who was 172nd on the list.
The Spaniard has had a poor year, making only seven cuts in 24 starts. However, among the afternoon players, Lara was the only player to get alongside Coetzee.
However, he failed to make par on the 18th after missing the green with his approach and shot a six-under 66.
That gave him a share of second place alongside Australian Terry Pilkadaris with Ireland’s Damien McGrane lying third after a 65.
Of the two Europe Ryder Cup players in the field, US Open champion Graeme McDowell fared best, shooting a three-under 69.
Miguel Angel Jimenez, who started on the 10th tee shot 72, but struggled for consistency. He made five birdies, but had a horror double bogey at the 17th where he found water.
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