RUGBY UNION
Foley to coach Force
Former Australia hooker Michael Foley will take over the coaching reins of the Western Force after quitting his post at the New South Wales Waratahs, the Perth-based Super Rugby side said yesterday. The Force, who had sacked coach Richard Graham in mid-April, finished second from last in the 15-team Super Rugby standings this year with only three wins. They were dealt a further blow last week when they lost Wallabies captain David Pocock to the Brumbies. The 45-year-old Foley will have to lift the side after joining the Force on a three-year contract. “While my expectations are realistic, I’m very excited about this challenge,” Foley was quoted as saying on the Force Web site.
CRICKET
Vettori suffers groin strain
New Zealand spinner Daniel Vettori will miss the second Test against West Indies starting today in Kingston with a groin strain, the country’s cricket board said yesterday. The left-arm spinner suffered a right abductor strain during the first Test against West Indies, which New Zealand lost by nine wickets. “Dan [Vettori] had some discomfort while in the field on day three of the first Test match, with assessment confirming an adductor injury,” Paul Close, the team’s physiotherapist, said in a statement posted on the New Zealand Cricket Web site. “Dan will return to New Zealand where here will be monitored closely and undergo a period of rehabilitation,” the statement said. Former captain Vettori, 33, is New Zealand’s most-capped Test cricketer and is set to be crucial for the team when they tour India for a two-Test series starting on Aug. 23.
BASEBALL
Cubs trade Dempster
The Chicago Cubs traded right-handed pitcher Ryan Dempster to the Texas Rangers on Tuesday, in exchange for two minor league prospects. The Cubs, who waited until Tuesday’s trade deadline, will get pitcher Kyle Hendricks and infielder Christian Villanueva in return. Dempster has a 5-5 win-loss record and a 2.25 ERA in 16 starts this year. The Rangers are his fourth Major League Baseball team, following stints with the Marlins, Reds and Cubs. Hendricks has a 5-8 record with a 2.82 ERA for Single-A Myrtle Beach this year. Villanueva hit .285 with 10 home runs, 19 doubles and 59 RBI in 100 games for Myrtle Beach. In other trade action on Tuesday, the San Francisco Giants acquired outfielder Hunter Pence from the Philadelphia Phillies in exchange for outfielder Nate Schierholtz, catching prospect Tommy Joseph and minor league pitcher Seth Rosin. The Giants also got cash in the deal.
BASKETBALL
Timberwolves sign Roy
The Minnesota Timberwolves signed free-agent guard Brandon Roy on Tuesday with hopes the former National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star will help rejuvenate a team that has not made the playoffs in eight years. Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but multiple media reports said the 28-year-old three-time All-Star, who retired ahead of the past NBA season because of a degenerative knee condition, agreed to a two-year deal worth US$10.4 million. “Brandon’s talent, experience and leadership will be helpful to our young team,” Timberwolves President of Basketball Operations David Kahn said in a statement. Roy, who was the NBA’s top rookie for the 2006-2007 campaign, has averaged 19 points, 4.3 rebounds and 4.7 assists in five seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
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