SOCCER
Lyon win at Valenciennes
Lyon opened up a three-point lead at the top of Ligue 1 with a 2-0 win at Valenciennes on Friday. Gueida Fofana scored his first goal in the French top flight before Bafetimbi Gomis netted his 12th of the season to return Remi Garde’s side to the top of the table. The visitors went in front after just eight minutes at Stade du Hainaut as Fofana arrowed a crisp low strike past Nicolas Penneteau from 25m. Penneteau then repelled two stinging strikes from Gomis to keep Valenciennes within touching distance but the home goalkeeper was unable to thwart Gomis for a third time as he doubled Lyon’s advantage on 28 minutes. Alexandre Lacazette combined well Anthony Reveillere on the right flank before firing in a low cross that Gomis steered into the roof of the net.
RUGBY UNION
All Black seeks help
All Blacks winger Zac Guildford will take an indefinite break from his Super 15 Canterbury Crusaders side as he seeks treatment for personal issues, officials said yesterday. Guildford, 23, who has a history of alcohol-related problems, is facing misconduct proceedings after an off-field incident earlier this month when he reportedly became involved in a brawl with a man at a party. The New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) said he had decided to withdraw indefinitely from the Crusaders ahead of the Super 15 season to undergo an intensive treatment program. Guildford admitted to having alcohol issues when publicly reprimanded by the All Blacks’ management during the 2011 World Cup and two months later announced a 12-month drinking ban after he ran naked into a bar and allegedly punched two men.
RUGBY UNION
Kohn receives shock call-up
Uncapped Harlequins lock Olly Kohn said it felt “surreal” to have been added to Wales’ squad for this season’s Six Nations following his shock call-up on Friday. The defending Grand Slam champions have been depleted by a series of second-row injuries with Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies all currently unavailable while Ian Evans is doubtful for the tournament opener at home to Ireland on Saturday because of a knee problem. That has led interim head coach Rob Howley, guiding Wales while Warren Gatland takes charge of the British and Irish Lions ahead of this year’s tour of Australia, to turn to Kohn. Although born in Bristol, England, the 31-year-old Kohn qualifies for his adopted country thanks to a late grandfather from the Rhymney Valley in south Wales.
SOCCER
Newcastle striker arrested
Newcastle striker Nile Ranger was bailed on Friday after being arrested on suspicion of rape. Ranger was questioned by Northumbria Police after being arrested following an allegation made by a woman that she was attacked at a hotel in Jesmond, Newcastle, earlier this week. A police spokeswoman said: “On Thursday Jan. 24 a woman reported to police that she had been raped overnight at a hotel in Jesmond. A 21-year-old man has been arrested at an address in Forest Hall on suspicion of rape.” Ranger was later bailed and a Newcastle United spokeswoman declined to comment. Ranger angered Newcastle fans last weekend by criticizing them for booing after Alan Pardew’s team lost to struggling Reading. He then went on to enrage supporters further by spelling his name out in £20 notes and posting a photo online.
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
Forget Real Madrid, Manchester City or Paris Saint-Germain, the world’s best soccer team — statistically speaking — might be a little-known outfit from the closed central Asian nation of Turkmenistan. Founded last year, Arkadag, named in honor of former Turkmen president Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedow, have been unstoppable, notching up 36 consecutive domestic victories in a run still ongoing. The side have not lost a single competitive match and swept to a league and cup double in their inaugural season — success unthinkable almost anywhere else. However, in Turkmenistan, it could hardly have gone any other way. The energy-rich country is one of the most closed
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