GOLF
Officials urge use of buses
Free shuttle buses will be available to take spectators to the course during the Swinging Skirts Invitational tournament which starts tomorrow at the Miramar Golf & Country Club in Linkou, New Taipei City, and fans should use public transportation to avoid traffic congestion, the organizers said on Monday. An estimated 50,000 spectators are expected to attend the invitational tournament that features women’s world No. 1 Yani Tseng of Taiwan and 80 other top female golfers from 10 countries. As part of the planning for the event, the organizers and city officials are taking steps to avoid traffic congestion near the venue. The city’s Transportation Department said spectators can leave their vehicles at two designated parking lots and take free shuttle buses to the course. One parking lot is on Huaya 1st Road in Kuishan Township, Taoyuan County, and it can accommodate 1,000 vehicles, while the other is in front of Hungfu Temple in Linkou and it can accommodate 300 vehicles, the department said. In addition, free shuttle buses will also operate from Banciao Railway Station and Taiwan High Speed Rail’s Taoyuan Station. The city government warned that there will be a strict ban on parking without a permit in the vicinity of the course and it urged spectators to use public transportation and the shuttle buses.
BOXING
Williams to face Tutaki
Rugby World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams will switch the pitch for the ring once again in February when he fights for New Zealand’s vacant heavyweight boxing crown, the All Blacks back told local media yesterday. Williams faces 10-year professional Richard Tutaki in Hamilton on Feb. 8, less than three weeks before his debut with his new Super Rugby side, the Waikato Chiefs. Undefeated in four fights against a succession of journeyman opponents, Williams said Tutaki presents a real challenge. “I think every time you step in the ring, there’s a bit of fear in there, but that motivates you to train hard and do your best,” Williams told reporters. “He’s a seasoned campaigner, 40 fights, so hopefully I haven’t bitten off too much, but I’ll be right.” His 33-year-old opponent, nicknamed the “Tutaki Express Train,” has a 19-21 record with one draw in 41 fights. He lost his last bout in April following an 18-month break from the sport, local media said.
SOCCER
Shay Given out for a month
Aston Villa goalkeeper Shay Given will be out of action for a month after the Republic of Ireland veteran picked up a hamstring injury in his club’s 1-0 loss to Manchester United at the weekend. Scans on Monday confirmed the 35-year-old had suffered a small tear in his left hamstring. Brad Guzan, who replaced Given seven minutes before the break on Saturday, will continue to deputize, starting with this weekend’s Premier League game at Bolton Wanderers.
BASEBALL
Marlins sign pitcher Bell
The Miami Marlins signed All-Star pitcher Heath Bell to a three-year US$27 million contract, the Major League Baseball club announced on Monday. The signing of closing pitcher Bell comes a day after the Marlins signed star shortstop Jose Reyes to a preliminary six-year, US$106 million deal. Bell has compiled more than 40 saves in each of the past three seasons for San Diego. He converted 43 saves in 48 opportunities last season with the Padres.
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