England duo Mark Foster and Richard Finch shared a one-shot lead at the halfway mark of the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles on Friday.
The 37-year-old Foster, who lost out in a five-man play-off for the title last year, shot a 68, while Finch posted a 67, to lead the field at 8-under 136.
“It’s been a while since I have been in this situation so I’m delighted to shoot a 67,” Finch said. “We had some downpours out there today, and I had a couple of three-putts, but it’s just nice to be up there leading.”
Scotland’s Paul Lawrie eagled his ninth hole en route to a 67 for a share of third place on 7-under with Australia’s Brett Rumford (70).
After finally ending a 13-year wait to again qualify for the Ryder Cup, Lawrie finds himself in contention for a second victory this year.
“I am not one who worries about things, but when you have not played in the Ryder Cup for that long, it’s got to be on your mind,” Lawrie said. “The Ryder Cup is still in the back of my mind, but these last couple of days I have been able to just stand up and pick my target and not worry too much about the Ryder Cup.”
Nicolas Colsaerts of Belgium kept alive his chance of automatically qualifying for the European Ryder Cup team with a second-round 70 for a share of seventh place on 5-under and only three shots behind the leaders.
Colsaerts, who needs to finish first or second to qualify automatically, capped his round with three birdies over his closing five holes.
“I feel pretty good, because it wasn’t a convincing round until a couple of holes from the end,” he said. “I didn’t feel as loose as Thursday as I had a couple of bad breaks early on, but I finished in good fashion.”
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
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
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