CRICKET
West Indies restrict Ireland
Ireland’s flirtation with cricketing history came to a disappointing end in Kingston’s Sabina Park on Friday when they lost their second Twenty20 international with the West Indies. Victory, following a famous six-wicket win on the same ground earlier in the week, would have given the Irish a first series win over a Test-playing nation. However, the West Indies drew on all their experience to win by 11 runs, hitting 96 for nine off their 20 overs after Ireland had won the toss and put them in to bat, and then restricting the Irish to 85 for eight in theirs. Gary WIlson led Ireland’s run chase with a brave 35 from 39 balls after they had slumpoed to 25 for four and he moved them on to 72 for seven before being caught and bowled by Dwayne Bravo.
GOLF
McDowell stuns Mahan
Graeme McDowell made a stunning comeback for the third day in a row on Friday, beating Hunter Mahan in 21 holes to reach the World Golf Championships Match Play Championship quarter-finals. McDowell, the 2010 US Open champion from Northern Ireland, advanced to a quarter-final matchup against France’s Victor Dubuisson, who upset 2012 Masters winner Bubba Watson one-up. South African Ernie Els defeated last year’s PGA Championship winner Jason Dufner one-up to book a last-eight match against rising US star Jordan Spieth, a two-and-one winner over countryman Matt Kuchar. South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen beat the US’ Webb Simpson five-and-four to book his quarter-final spot against Australian Jason Day, who ousted South African George Coetzee three-and-one. The US’ Jim Furyk and Rickie Fowler booked a quarter-final matchup with one-up triumphs over Harris English and Spanish star Sergio Garcia respectively.
SOCCER
Monaco move up
A last-gasp winner from defender Layvin Kurzawa lifted Monaco to a 3-2 victory over Stade de Reims and to within two points of Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain on Friday. Valere Germain headed them ahead in the eighth minute, only for Congolese midfielder Prince Oniague to level in the 53rd. Onziague was on hand again to level a second time in the 71st minute after Jeremy Toulalan had struck only his second career goal to put Monaco in front again on 63 minutes.
SOCCER
Mainz 05 hold Schalke 04
Schalke 04 missed the chance to go provisionally third in the Bundesliga on Friday after being held to a 0-0 draw by visiting FSV Mainz 05. Schalke goalkeeper Ralf Faehrmann produced a fine reflex save to deny Shinji Okazaki’s volley in the 29th minute, in a first half of few real chances. Jefferson Farfan came closest at the other end before the break, when the Peruvian combined well with Max Meyer before his shot was deflected just wide of the far post.
SOCCER
Levante extend win streak
Levante UD drew 1-1 at Real Valladolid on Friday to extend their unbeaten streak to seven straight games in the La Liga. The draw let Levante provisionally move into seventh place before the rest of the 25th round of matches played this weekend. Valladolid remained in the relegation zone, with only one win in their past nine games. Levante struck first at Jose Zorilla Stadium when former Mallorca forward Victor Casadesus headed in Andreas Ivanschitz’s free-kick in the 25th minute.
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