CRICKET
Security woes trump play
Intercontinental Cup matches between Kenya and Namibia in Nairobi were postponed by cricket’s governing body on Wednesday because of security concerns. The International Cricket Council said “the ongoing and changing” security situation in Kenya had led to delays in making a security assessment, and the four-day and 50-over games were put back until September. There have been attacks in Nairobi and the coastal town of Mombasa in recent months, with hit-and-run grenade blasts in the capital blamed on Somali militant group al-Shabab. Attackers fired shots and detonated grenades outside a nightclub in Mombasa on Tuesday, killing a security guard in the latest in a series of attacks in the East African country linked to al-Shabaab. In March, grenade explosions at one of the main bus stations in Nairobi killed nine people and wounded 40. New Zealander Mike Hesson resigned as Kenya coach this month after less than a year in charge because of worries over the safety of his family.
BOXING
Ochigava beats Dos Santos
Two-time boxing world champion Sofya Ochigava of Russia defeated Adriana dos Santos of Brazil 15-6 in Qinhuangdao, China, on Wednesday to reach the semi-finals of the 60kg class at the Women’s World Championships. Natasha Jonas of England also qualified for the last four after beating Ingrid Egner of Norway 23-9. The worlds are being held in 10 divisions, but the focus is on three: 51kg flyweight, 60kg lightweight and 75kg middleweight. They are the only three classes when women’s boxing makes its debut at the Olympics this summer. All eight quarter--finalists in the three categories qualify for London.
SOCCER
Barca open soccer camp
Spanish giants Barcelona are setting up a soccer school in India as they expand their coaching network worldwide with the aim of training 10,000 youngsters in the next three years. The school in New Delhi, the first of its kind in India, will be managed by the club’s training arm FCBEscola and welcome 300 children aged between six and 14, club officials said. The Delhi school is set to be operational by the end of the year and plans are afoot to expand operations to other cities such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Goa, Pune and Ahmedabad. Club official Antonio Claveria, who will be the technical director of the school, had organized a camp for budding soccer players in New Delhi in December last year. “It was a great experience for me to start the Barca India project,” Claveria said.
SOCCER
Barton accepts one charge
Joey Barton has accepted an FA charge against him for violent conduct against Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero in Sunday’s clash, which clinched the Premier League title for City. However, the Queens Park Rangers midfielder has denied a second charge of alleged violent conduct against City’s Vincent Kompany, the English FA said in a statement. Barton was sent off for elbowing Carlos Tevez and then kicked Sergio Aguero and appeared to try to head-butt Kompany before being escorted off the pitch. He has requested a personal hearing, the date of which has yet to be set. “As Barton had already been dismissed, both of these incidents fell outside of the jurisdiction of the referee,” the statement said. Queens Park Rangers said “a full investigation in relation to Joey Barton’s dismissal and subsequent events against Manchester City on Sunday will be carried out following the conclusion of his FA hearing.”
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