SOCCER
Galletti in emotional return
Former Argentina international Luciano Galletti has made an emotional return to the Greek top flight following a three-year absence, after recovering from a kidney transplant. The 33-year-old midfielder, who won two Greek league and cup doubles with Olympiakos Piraeus from 2007 to 2009, has agreed to join Super League team OFI Crete on a one-year deal. Galletti was diagnosed with severe kidney failure in February 2010, prompting him to retire from soccer aged 30. The former Real Zaragoza and Atletico Madrid winger underwent a successful kidney transplant in October last year, the donor being his father. “I’m delighted to have come to Heraklion to play for this club,” said Galletti, who was welcomed by thousands of fans at the airport late on Friday. “I am feeling great and have trained with [Argentine club] Estudiantes. I expect to continue my fitness training here to be ready for the start of the season. I believe I have two to three years of top-level soccer to offer.” Galletti joined Olympiakos in 2007 and quickly became a fan favorite with his creative and direct attacking play. He played 13 times for Argentina.
ATHLETICS
Gay impresses at US trials
Tyson Gay won the 100m at the US athletics championships in an impressive 9.75 seconds on Friday to stamp himself as a major World Championships challenger to Jamaican Usain Bolt. Gay, trailing out of the blocks, exploded near the midway point and powered home to win in the fastest time in the world this year. Justin Gatlin, the 2004 Olympic gold medallist who handed six-time Olympic champion Bolt a rare defeat in Rome this month, just could not match Gay in the closing stages. Running warily with a mild right hamstring strain, Gatlin finished second in 9.89 seconds. Charles Silmon seized the third World Championships berth on offer by the narrowest of margins, finishing third in 9.98 seconds with Michael Rodgers relegated to fourth by just two-thousandths of a second. The top trio will spearhead the US challenge to six-time Olympic gold medallist Bolt at the World Championships in Moscow from Aug. 10 to Aug. 18.
SOCCER
Reds sign Sevilla striker
Liverpool yesterday announced the signing of young Spanish striker Luis Alberto from Sevilla on a long-term contract. The 20-year-old, who has been capped at several levels of youth soccer by Spain, completed the deal after passing a medical, although international clearance has still to be given. Alberto spent last season on loan with Barcelona B, where he scored 11 goals and collected 17 assists in 38 appearances. “We are all delighted that Luis has decided to join Liverpool,” manager Brendan Rodgers said. “He has the correct footballing profile and mentality to be a Liverpool player. I look forward to working with him to develop his talent and he joins a group of young exciting players at our club.”
SOCCER
Courtois to stay in Spain
Belgian international goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will spend a third season on loan at Atletico Madrid after the Spanish side announced they had reached an agreement with his parent club Chelsea. Courtois has played 98 times during his previous two seasons with Atletico and was instrumental as they lifted the Copa del Rey this season and the Europa League in 2011-2012. The 21-year-old also won the Zamora award for the goalkeeper that conceded the fewest number of goals in La Liga last season as he was beaten just 29 times in 37 league appearances.
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