SOCCER
Euro goals in China go 3D
Fans in China will be able to see 3D computer recreations of all goals scored in Euro 2012 on their mobile phones, Chinese mobile and TV service provider WASU and Agence France-Presse (AFP) announced yesterday. “We are making this AFP service available to China Mobile, China Telecom and China Unicom subscribers,” WASU chief executive Li Yiqing said. “This will be another way for them to enjoy this hugely popular sport in China,” she said. Under terms of the agreement signed by WASU New Media Network and AFP, AFP’s German-based partner Impire AG will reproduce and supply high-definition computer graphics of all goals scored from three angles. Once the tournament begins tomorrow, the service will be available to subscribers on the three mobile networks within two hours of the end of each match. “The idea is to have soccer fans enjoy and appreciate the intricacies of each goal scored,” AFP Asia-Pacific regional director Eric Wishart said. “We are delighted to be working with WASU in bringing this very special news product to soccer fans in China,” he said.
SOCCER
Man United to sign Kagawa
Japan international Shinji Kagawa is set to become Manchester United’s first summer signing after the English Premier League club confirmed on Tuesday they have “reached agreement” with his club, Borussia Dortmund. “Manchester United is delighted to announce that it has agreed terms with both Borussia Dortmund and Shinji Kagawa for his transfer to the club,” a United statement said. “The deal is subject only to the player medical and obtaining a UK work permit. These conditions are anticipated to be completed by the end of June.” The deal is expected to cost about £12 million (US$18.4 million). Kagawa has scored 21 goals in 49 Bundesliga appearances for Dortmund, helping them win back-to-back league titles.
BASEBALL
Lasorda suffers heart attack
Former Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda was hospitalized in New York after suffering a heart attack on Monday, the MLB team announced on Tuesday. Lasorda, 84, is a Baseball Hall of Famer who represented the Dodgers at the MLB Draft when he became ill. The team said in a posting on their Web site that Lasorda is resting comfortably. Lasorda went 1,599-1,439 in a 20-year career as manager of the Dodgers before retiring midway into the 1996 season after suffering a heart attack. He now serves the Dodgers as a special adviser to the owner. He guided the Dodgers to World Series titles in 1981 and 1988 and managed the team on two losing trips to the World Series as NL champions in 1977 and 1978.
ICE HOCKEY
Habs rehire Michel Therrien
Michel Therrien, who coached the Montreal Canadiens over parts of three seasons from 2000 to 2003, was named the NHL club’s new coach on Tuesday by general manager Marc Bergevin. The Canadiens, whose 24 Stanley Cup titles include one before the NHL was formed, missed the playoffs this season for the first time in five years, going 31-35 with 16 regulation draws for 78 points, last in the Eastern Conference. The Canadiens fired Jacques Martin as coach after 32 games and replaced him for the remainder of the season with Randy Cunneyworth. Now Therrien reclaims the task of bringing an NHL crown to Montreal for the first time since 1993. He went 77-77-36 with the Canadiens from November 2000 to January 2003, helping Montreal end a three-year playoff drought.
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