ROMANIA
Fear of flying downs winger
Romania winger Catalin Fercu, who failed to show up in New Zealand for the rugby World Cup because he has a fear of flying, has been officially ruled out of the tournament with pneumonia, organizers said on Tuesday. Fercu had already been replaced in the squad by Adrian Apostol when he did not arrive last week, Romanian officials said. They had told reporters upon arrival in Christchurch that the winger had a fear of flying and no amount of persuasion could get him on the plane to New Zealand.
SOUTH AFRICA
Legislator blasts jerseys
South African Legislator Joe Mogluwa said in Johannesburg he would not wear the Springboks jersey during the Rugby World Cup because the garments were made in China at the expense of South Africa’s suffering textile and clothing industry. The news reignited anger about outsourcing of such symbols at a time the country is promoting “Proudly South African” products and dozens of factories are threatened with closure.
NEW ZEALAND
Customs cleans dirty boots
New Zealand border officials seized — and then cleaned — the dirty boots of 60 arriving World Cup players in a biosecurity clampdown aimed at stopping unwanted pests and diseases. One player was fined NZ$400 (US$334) for not declaring his dirty boots, while another was fined for bringing in a pot of honey. “We did find one team member in one particular team who insisted his boots were clean but they were rather filthy,” Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry biosecurity manager Stuart Rawnsley said.
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