RUGBY UNION
Tindall ‘enjoyed evening’
England rugby chiefs defended center Mike Tindall following allegations he behaved inappropriately on a night out during the World Cup in New Zealand. The UK Sun tabloid reported yesterday that Tindall, who recently married Zara Phillips, granddaughter of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, had “kissed and groped” a blonde while watching a dwarf-throwing contest. It further alleged he buried his head in her breasts as England enjoyed a night out in a Queenstown bar. An England spokesman, in a Rugby Football Union statement issued yesterday, said: “Mike and several of the players were enjoying an evening out after he had led the team to a hard-earned victory over Argentina.” The RFU statement added that there would be no further comment.
SOCCER
Brazil, Argentina draw 0-0
Ronaldinho failed to inspire Brazil to a win over rivals Argentina on Wednesday, as the South American giants played to a drab 0-0 draw in Cordoba, Argentina. The first of two friendly games between the two failed to catch fire, with both teams fielding second-string sides. Argentina went close in the first half through Mauro Boselli, while Brazil’s Damiao momentarily lifted the gloom in the 77th minute when he hit the crossbar after some superb close control. “I’m happy, I hope this will give continuity to the coach’s work,” Ronaldinho said. “Argentina and Brazil is always a good game.”
TENNIS
Williams explains outburst
Serena Williams explained her outburst at Greek umpire Eva Asderaki in Sunday’s US Open women’s final in a Twitter posting on Wednesday, saying she lost control of her emotions. Australian Samantha Stosur coasted to a 6-2, 6-3 triumph over the American 13-time Grand Slam singles champion, who directed a series of insults at Asderaki in the second set. “My emotions did get the best of me this past weekend when I disagreed with the umpire,” Williams said. “It has been a long road to get back to the US Open this year.”
CYCLING
Hushovd edges out Boom
Norway’s Thor Hushovd won the fourth stage of the Tour of Britain on Wednesday, edging out his rivals on the 184km ride from Welshpool to Caerphilly. The world champion took the stage honors at the head of a group of about 25 riders which broke away in the climax to the race. Lars Boom of the Netherlands, who finished second, retained the leader’s jersey.
OUT AGAINST INDONESIA: Taiwan reached the semi-finals at the tournament for the first time by defeating Denmark, with Chou Tien-chen beating Viktor Axelsen Taiwan yesterday crashed out of the Thomas Cup team competition in Chengdu, China, but achieved their best result at the top-tier badminton event by reaching the semi-finals. Indonesia were too good in the semis, winning 3-0 to advance to today’s final against China, who eliminated Malaysia 3-1. In the opening singles of the men’s team clash at the Hi-Tech Zone Sports Center Gymnasium 2, Anthony Ginting defeated Taiwan’s Chou Tien-chen 21-18, 21-19 in 51 minutes, which put a huge hole in Taiwan’s aspirations to perhaps even make the final. In the men’s doubles, Fajar Alfian and Muhammad Ardianto downed Lee Yang and Wang
NO DOUBT: Spurs star Wembanyama was unanimously selected as NBA Rookie of the Year, winning all 99 votes to become the first Frenchman to capture the honor The Minnesota Timberwolves on Monday night produced a dominant defensive display to seize a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-seven playoff series against the Denver Nuggets with a 106-80 road victory. The third-seeded Timberwolves harassed Denver relentlessly to claim a second straight win over the NBA champions as the series heads back to Minneapolis for Game 3 on Friday. Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards scored 27 points apiece, but the star of the show was Minnesota’s suffocating defensive effort, which knocked Denver out of their stride almost from the tip-off. The Timberwolves finished with 11 steals and 12 blocks, in sharp contrast to
Top-ranked Iga Swiatek on Saturday came through “the most intense and crazy final” she has ever contested to avenge her loss to Aryna Sabalenka in last year’s Madrid Open final with a grueling three hour, 11 minute victory in the Spanish capital. Coming back from 1-3 down in the decider and saving three match points in total, Swiatek claimed a 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9/7) victory to secure the Madrid Open trophy for the first time. “Well, who is going to say now that women’s tennis is boring, right?” Swiatek said. Swiatek, who picked up the 20th title of her career, and ninth at
One of Malaysia’s top soccer clubs has pulled out of today’s season-opening Charity Shield after a spate of assaults, including an acid attack, on players in the country. It leaves the kickoff of Malaysia’s season this weekend under a cloud following the unprecedented acts of violence against players, which have left the country shocked and angry. Authorities said they have imposed tighter security, but Selangor said that they would not play in the showpiece curtain-raiser against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) citing “a series of criminal incidents and recent threats.” Selangor and Malaysia winger Faisal Halim is in intensive care