BOXING
Povetkin retains title
Undefeated Alexander Povetkin of Russia retained his WBA heavyweight title with a second-round technical knockout of US challenger Hasim Rahman on Saturday in Hamburg, Germany. After a cagey first round, Povetkin exploded into life in the next, delivering a series of blows to which the 39-year-old former WBC, IBF and IBO champion had no response. Referee Gustavo Padilla of Panama had no option but to call it off 1 minute, 36 seconds into the round with Povetkin able to pick his shots at will.“I prepared myself well. It’s a pity I couldn’t show it for that long,” said the 33-year-old Povetkin, who improved to 25-0 (17 KOs). Rahman dropped to 50-8-2 (41 KOs) after his first bout since June last year. The fight was Povetkin’s third defense of the WBA title he earned by beating Ruslan Chagaev on points in August last year. The belt was vacated by Wladimir Klitschko when the Ukrainian was elevated to “super champion” by the WBA after his win over David Haye. Povetkin becomes the mandatory challenger for Klitschko.
SOCCER
Sno suffers heart attack
NEC Nijmegen midfielder Evander Sno suffered a cardiac arrest during their game at Feyenoord on Saturday, but was able to walk off the pitch after his defibrillator resolved the problem. “Evander [Sno] had a cardiac arrest which was followed by a shock from his internal defibrillator,” Feyenoord doctor Casper van Eijck said. “And the shock is what he felt and that terrified him, which I could see in his eyes on the pitch. He was transported to a hospital because the defibrillator caused arrhythmia [abnormal heart beat] so he has to stay there for the night.” Sno had the defibrillator fitted after suffering a cardiac arrest playing for Ajax Amsterdam’s reserves in September 2010 when he was revived by the use of an external defibrillator.
FOOTBALL
Referees vote on deal
National Football League Referees Association members voted overwhelmingly on Saturday to approve a new eight-year deal with the league to officially end a lockout that began in June. The union’s executive committee struck a deal with the NFL on Wednesday night, about 48 hours after a botched call by replacement referees on the game’s final play denied Green Bay what should have been a victory at Seattle. US President Barack Obama was among those who called for an end to the dispute after that blunder and negotiations sped to a finish in time for regular referees to officiate Baltimore’s home victory over Cleveland on Thursday. Money issues prompted the shutdown and led to the league pulling replacement referees from the high school and college ranks, but the newcomers struggled to cope with the increased speed and physicality of the professional level.
MOTOGP
Pedrosa seals easy win
Honda’s Dani Pedrosa cruised to victory at the Aragon Grand Prix ahead of championship leader Jorge Lorenzo of Yamaha yesterday to trim the gap with his Spanish compatriot to 33 points with four races left. Lorenzo started on pole and led from Pedrosa in the early stages at a sunny Motorland circuit, but was passed by the Honda rider with 17 laps remaining and never looked like regaining the lead. With a comfortable cushion at the top of the standings, he appeared to ease off in order to secure second spot and remains well placed to secure a second MotoGP title following his debut triumph in 2010.
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