CRICKET
Taylor appointed skipper
Batsman Ross Taylor was appointed New Zealand cricket captain yesterday, replacing spin bowler Daniel Vettori, who stepped down in March after the World Cup. Taylor served as vice captain under Vettori and his appointment was widely expected, with wicketkeeper-batsman Brendon McCullum seen as his main rival for the skipper’s position. The 27-year-old said he was humbled by the appointment and believed New Zealand had the talent to be a force in world cricket. “I’ve learned a great deal about leadership having played under Dan Vettori and feel ready to take on what is one of the highest honors in New Zealand sport,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the challenge and appreciate the level of responsibility that comes with captaining your country.”
RUGBY UNION
Waugh to hang up boots
Former Australia skipper Phil Waugh announced yesterday that he would retire at the end of the season and he is hoping to go out on a high with the Wallabies at the World Cup in New Zealand. The 31-year-old, who has 79 caps for Australia, still feels physically capable of continuing to play for the New South Wales Waratahs, but he wants to begin a career in business. “At 31, I’m excited about transitioning to the next phase of my life and the challenges I will face in forging a business career,” he said. “It’s been an honor and privilege to represent my state for the past 13 years and to represent my country over the past decade.” The openside flanker is the longest-serving and most-capped player in New South Wales’ history.
BASEBALL
Dodgers’ TV deal thwarted
Major League Baseball said on Monday it would not approve a massive television deal between the Los Angeles Dodgers and Fox that would have given the financially-strapped club an instant injection of cash. The league, which is monitoring control of the day-to-day operations of the Dodgers because of mounting concerns over the franchise’s financial plight, said the proposed US$3 billion 17-year transaction would not be in the best interests of the Dodgers franchise, the game of baseball and the club’s fans. “Given the magnitude of the transaction, such a diversion of assets would have the effect of mortgaging the future of the franchise to the long-term detriment of the club and its fans,” commissioner Bud Selig said in a statement.
BASEBALL
Marlins re-introduce McKeon
The Florida Marlins have defended the decision to hire 80-year-old Jack McKeon as interim manager. Marlins president David Samson said the octogenarian works harder than many people half his age and seems even sharper mentally than in 2003, when he led Florida to an improbable World Series win. In response to the comments, a grinning McKeon intentionally messed up Samson’s name. “Thanks George,” McKeon said. He becomes the second-oldest manager in major league history. Connie Mack managed the Philadelphia Athletics in a suit, tie and straw hat until 1950, when he was 87.
BASEBALL
Pujols out for six weeks
St Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols will be out for an estimated six weeks with a fractured left wrist, leaving baseball without a three-time MVP in a devastating blow for a franchise hit hard by injuries this season. The team announced the results of an MRI and CT scan on Monday, one day after Pujols was injured during a home game against Kansas.
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
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and