CYCLING
Nibali wins fifth stage
Vincenzo Nibali escaped to victory on Sunday’s fifth stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico over 195km from Martinsicuro to Prati di Tivo. Nibali surged clear of his rivals on the mountain-top finish, with Roman Kreuziger and Chris Horner coming in 16 seconds down. American Horner did just enough to hold onto the leader’s blue jersey, maintaining a five-second lead over Czech Kreuziger. However, Nibali’s victory, plus the bonus seconds on offer at the finish line, moved him up to third overall, just 12 seconds back. The top riders marked each other on the final climb up to Prati di Tivo until Nibali broke for home with 4km remaining, securing the victory that had eluded him the day before when he was out-sprinted by Liquigas teammate Peter Sagan. Last year’s winner and Tour de France champion Cadel Evans of Australia finished more than 10 minutes down and dropped out of overall contention.
CRICKET
Pakistan beat Bangladesh
Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal bowled Pakistan to a 21-run victory over Bangladesh in the opening match of the Asia Cup on Sunday after the hosts lost their last five wickets for 17 runs. Bangladesh, chasing a target of 263, were well set up after Shakib Al Hasan (64) and Nasir Hossain (47) added 89 runs for the sixth wicket, before Gul and Ajmal derailed their chase. The hosts were 224 for five when Gul bowled Nasir to end the partnership and in the next over Ajmal dismissed tailenders Abdur Razzak and Mashrafe Mortaza. In Gul’s next over, he trapped Shafiul Islam leg before and delivered the final blow when he bowled Shakib to finish with 3-58. Opener Tamim Iqbal laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s run chase with 64 off 89 balls, before he dragged a low ball off Mohammad Hafeez on to his stumps. Hafeez earlier made 89 and shared in an opening stand of 135 with Nasir Jamshed (54) as Pakistan made 262-8 from their 50 overs. Shahadat Hossain triggered a mid-innings collapse by taking three wickets, before Gul thumped a career-best unbeaten 39 with some lusty late blows.
GOLF
McNeill wins in Puerto Rico
American George McNeill birdied the last three holes to surge past Japan’s Ryo Ishikawa and win his second PGA Tour title by two shots at the Puerto Rico Open on Sunday. The 36-year-old fired a three-under-par 69 at Trump International Golf Club in Rio Grande to post a 16-under total of 272. Japanese sensation Ishikawa, seeking his first victory on the US circuit, had to settle for second place after closing with a six-birdie 68. American Boo Weekley (66) and Swede Henrik Stenson (71) were a further stroke back at 13-under in a tie for third. McNeill, who claimed his maiden PGA Tour victory as a rookie at the 2007 Frys.com Open, held a one-stroke lead going into Sunday’s final round, but trailed early finisher Ishikawa by one with two holes to play. “I was not aware that Ryo Ishikawa had the lead,” McNeill told reporters after mixing six birdies with three bogeys. “I knew that I needed to make a few birdies coming in, and that’s the only thing I could really control. After I birdied 16 and was walking up to the 17th green after I hit my second shot is when I saw that he had the lead with me. So I had about a 10-footer there and I said: ‘Well, I need to make it.’ So it was not like it was an easy cake walk, but it was a nice way to win.” McNeill rolled in birdie putts from 25, 10 and four feet at the 16th, 17th and the last to seal victory.
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