RUGBY UNION
Winner doubts poll validity
Italy’s Andrea Masi, voted Six Nations player of the tournament following a public internet vote, said on Tuesday he doubted the validity of the poll and believes an English player should have won. Masi picked up 30 percent of the 17,562 votes cast, with Italy teammate Fabio Semenzato coming second. The 29-year-old became the first Italian winner of the award.” I think I was lucky to have a lot of friends and fans in Italy who voted by internet,” Racing-Metro player Masi said. “Frankly I don’t think I should have won this trophy, but rather the English players, who won the competition and who showed an incredible level for five matches. It was a surprise. I didn’t expect to win such a prestigious trophy.” Masi was nominated after his man-of-the-match performance in the win over France, following an internet vote from a list of 12 candidates named man of the match during the first four games.
CRICKET
Tribesmen prepare for clash
Pakistani tribesmen were cleaning their guns and collecting explosives for celebratory fire to prepare for Pakistan beating India in yesterday’s World Cup semi-final. The North Waziristan region near the Afghan border, which is infested by Taliban and al-Qaeda linked militants and is the target of US drone attacks, ground to a halt like cities and towns across the country. Awash with light and heavy weapons, the tribal belt — described by Washington as the most dangerous place in the world — is cricket-crazy like the rest of Pakistan. Markets, schools and offices were closed in the region’s main town Miranshah and many made special arrangements to watch the much-hyped match on large screens. Tribesmen who consider the country’s honor to be at stake were seen cleaning their weapons for firing should Pakistan win, witnesses said. “I am going to sacrifice this for the Pakistan team,” tribesman Hayatullah Jan said as he dragged a sheep.
NASCAR
Raikkonen set for debut
Finnish rally driver Kimi Raikkonen will be make his NASCAR debut this year with brand new team ICE1 Racing, a Finnish newspaper has reported. Raikkonen told one of the country’s largest dailies, Turun Sanomat, that he will continue to race in the World Rally Championships (WRC) for another eight rallies before making the leap to NASCAR this summer. “I have been following it for a long time ... Obviously, it will be very challenging and great fun for me,” he told the paper. Like all NASCAR rookies, he will start racing in the World Camping Truck series before expanding to the Sprint Cup Series. Former Formula 1 champion Raikkonen left the sport in 2009 to race in the WRC last year.
RUGBY UNION
Ex-player linked to murders
South African police have arrested a former Currie Cup player over three axe murders allegedly to avenge the gang-rape and HIV infection of his daughter, media said yesterday. Police arrested the 34-year-old, who played for the Blue Bulls in the Vodacom Cup and Currie Cup, in Durban on Tuesday, Afrikaans daily Die Beeld reported. The man, who was not named in reports, will appear in court this week. One victim was decapitated and others hacked in the neck, said the Cape Argus, which quoted a man who escaped an attack last week after being confronted by a man who accused him of being a rapist and infecting his daughter. “As the axe came down towards my head, I ducked and it scratched my stomach,” Khangelani Mdluli, 27, told the daily.
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