Last year’s runner-up Philipp Kohlschreiber cruised past qualifier Thomas Fabbiano of Italy 6-4, 6-3 to reach the second round at the Open de Moselle on Tuesday.
The sixth-seeded Kohlschreiber didn’t face a single break point and broke Fabbiano three times to end the 21-year-old Italian player’s hopes of claiming his maiden Tour win.
Eighth-seeded Gilles Simon of France won his first match in five attempts at the indoor tournament with a comfortable 6-3, 6-4 win over Jamaican Dustin Brown.
Simon, who took part in France’s 5-0 thrashing of Argentina in the Davis Cup semi-final over the weekend, won 23 of 24 points played on his first serve and converted two of his 11 break points.
“It was a good match, I went through pretty easily and felt really good on the court,” Simon said. “I was able to read his serve and break him early in the match which made it comfortable for me. I had never won a main draw match here in Metz so I am definitely happy about being through today.”
Jarkko Nieminen of Finland and Xavier Malisse of Belgium also advanced with straight-sets wins.
Nieminen beat Benjamin Becker of Germany 6-3, 7-6 (2) and Malisse downed French qualifier Edouard Roger-Vasselin 7-6 (3), 6-4.
Nieminen will next face either Kristof Vliegen of Belgium or Federico Del Bonis, the Argentine who replaced the injured Michael Llodra in the draw.
Organizers said Llodra withdrew from the tournament after picking up a calf injury while on Davis Cup duty for France.
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