SPAIN
Real Sociedad thrash Elche
Antoine Griezmann scored a hat-trick on Monday to help Real Sociedad beat Elche 4-0 in La Liga. The 22-year-old French midfielder put the hosts ahead in the fourth minute with a lob over goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez that defender Damian Suarez then pushed into his own net while trying to clear the ball. Eight minutes later, Griezmann doubled his tally with a header that Rodriguez could only watch as it went past him. Carlos Vela displayed great skill when he dribbled through four defenders, chested the ball down and unleashed a powerful shot to score the third in the 50th minute. Griezmann completed his hat-trick with his 15th goal of the season when he pounced on Rodriguez’s clearance in the 74th minute.
ITALY
Pirlo voted player of season
Juventus great Andrea Pirlo was named Serie A player of the 2012-2013 season on Monday by his fellow players. The 34-year-old Juventus playmaker — a pivotal player in the Italy national side that won the 2006 World Cup and is set for another appearance in the finals in Brazil later this year — said the award meant a lot because it came from his fellow players. The former Brescia, Inter and AC Milan star — nicknamed Mozart by the Juventus fans for his supreme talent — was also named in the team of the season. “The fact the vote was by my colleagues makes it extra special,” he said, before adding he would be remaining with Serie A champions Juventus. “That is for sure,” added Pirlo, who was also Serie A player of the year in 2011-2012. Aside from him the team featured unpredictable Italian striker Mario Balotelli and Uruguayan international Edinson Cavani, who had a superb season for SSC Napoli, before leaving for French champions Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
WALES
Swansea sign David Ngog
French striker David Ngog was back in the English Premier League on Monday after signing for Swansea City from English second-tier club Bolton Wanderers for an undisclosed fee. The 24-year-old, whose Bolton contract was due to expire at the end of the season, missed Wanderers’ FA Cup tie against Swansea’s Welsh rivals Cardiff City at the weekend. Ngog completed a medical at Swansea on Monday and his arrival is a welcome boost for Swans manager Michael Laudrup, who is looking to reduce the club’s reliance on Wilfried Bony, with last season’s top scorer Michu still struggling with an ankle injury. Ngog arrives at the Liberty Stadium in good form, having scored three goals in his past four appearances for Bolton, whom he joined from Liverpool in 2011. Bolton, adjusting to life in the Championship, are keen to cut their wage bill after last year’s accounts showed a huge net debt of more than £160 million (US$265 million).
ENGLAND
Anelka reveals Lazio interest
French striker Nicolas Anelka thanked SS Lazio for their interest on Monday, but said he wanted to stay with West Bromwich Albion despite the furore over his “quenelle” goal celebration. There has been speculation Anelka could leave the Premier League side and bow out of English soccer completely after being hit with a Football Association charge after making a gesture condemned in France as anti-Semitic. Anelka has requested a formal hearing to contest the charge, which could see him banned for a minimum of five matches. The 34-year-old revealed the Italian club’s interest, but in a message on his Twitter account said he had done nothing wrong and wanted to remain in England.
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