RUGBY UNION
Argentina coach resigns
Santiago Phelan resigned as coach of the Argentine rugby team with immediate effect on Monday, ending a five-year spell in charge, the Argentine Rugby Federation (UAR) announced. The 39-year-old — who guided the Pumas to the 2011 World Cup quarter-finals after succeeding Marcello Loffreda — had been widely expected to step down when his contract came to an end in December last year. UAR spokesman Rafael Laria said that Phelan would not take charge of Argentina’s Test matches next month, which see them play England at Twickenham on Nov. 9, Wales a week later at the Millennium Stadium and Italy in Rome on Nov. 23.
FORMULA ONE
Teenager joins Toro Rosso
Russian teenager Daniil Kvyat is to race in Formula One next season after the Toro Rosso team named him on Monday as the surprise replacement for departing Australian Daniel Ricciardo. The announcement means Russia could have two drivers on the starting grid when the country hosts its first Grand Prix in Sochi next year. Sauber are already planning to bring little-known 18-year-old Sergey Sirotkin into their lineup, providing he can obtain a superlicence, as part of a deal with the Swiss team’s new Russian backers. Toro Rosso said in a statement that 19-year-old Kvyat, who has been competing in the Formula Three and GP3 support series, would partner Frenchman Jean-Eric Vergne at the Red Bull-owned team.
FOOTBALL
Bradford, Wayne injured
St Louis Rams quarterback Sam Bradford and Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne will miss the remainder of the National Football League season with knee injuries, their teams said on Monday. Both were injured in Sunday’s games. “An MRI conducted late Sunday evening confirmed that Bradford suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament [ACL],” the Rams said on their Web site. Bradford, 25, suffered the injury when he was shoved near the sideline during the Rams’ loss to the Carolina Panthers. Wayne, Indianapolis’ top receiver with 38 catches for 503 yards and two touchdowns, tore his right ACL during Sunday’s win over Denver, the Colts said. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are expected to be without quarterback Jay Cutler for at least a month. “Cutler is expected to miss at least four weeks with a torn groin muscle,” the team said on their Web site. Cutler was injured during Chicago’s loss to the Washington Redskins on Sunday. He will be replaced by Josh McCown. The Philadelphia Eagles also lost quarterback Nick Foles on Sunday. The Eagles confirmed on Monday that Foles sustained a concussion in Dallas’ victory and must go through the league’s post-concussion protocol before returning to action.
BOXING
‘Sugar’ Mosley calls off fight
Legendary US boxer “Sugar” Shane Mosley yesterday called off his fight with former world middleweight champion Anthony Mundine in a row over money. The pair were due to face off in Sydney today, but Mosley pulled out just hours ahead of the weigh-in, leaving Mundine devastated. “I’m very disappointed with this turn of events because I was planning on making a big statement by beating Mundine, but I was left with no choice but to withdraw,” Mosley said in a statement. Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer said his fighter had no other option after the remaining US$700,000 of his US$1 million purse was not paid as required under the terms of the contract by 5pm on Monday.
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