CYCLING
Horner hit by car
Tour of Spain champion Chris Horner has been taken to hospital following a training crash with a car around Lake Como, Italy, his Lampre team said on Friday. The 42-year-old American, who was born in Japan and is the oldest-ever winner of a Grand Tour, suffered a punctured lung and broken ribs in the accident. With a best Tour de France finish of ninth in 2010, Horner finally delivered on his Grand Tour potential by winning last year’s Vuelta a Espana just before turning 42. His other notable results included an overall victory at the Tour of the Basque Country in 2010 and the Tour of California in 2011.
CRICKET
Amir to miss World Cup
Banned Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir will not be eligible for next year’s World Cup even if he returns early to domestic cricket, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said on Friday. PCB chairman Najam Sethi told a news conference in Lahore that under the amended anti-corruption laws of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Aamir’s five-year ban could be reduced by 12 months. Aamir, 21, was banned for a minimum five years in 2011 for spot-fixing during Pakistan’s fourth Test against England at Lord’s in 2010.
OLYMPICS
Pole vaulter Hooker retires
Former Olympic pole vault champion Steve Hooker of Australia has announced he is retiring from the sport, saying he is still physically fit, but does not have the mental drive to continue at the top. The 31-year-old Hooker, who won gold at the Beijing Games in 2008, says: “I honestly thought the body would be the one that would give way, and that would be the end ... but it has almost been the opposite.” From 2008 to 2010, he won every major title in his event — the Olympics, world indoors and outdoors championships. However, Hooker had difficulty qualifying for the 2012 Olympics due to what he often called the pole vaulting “yips,” and did not make the London final.
SOCCER
Rossi return boosts Italy
Italy international striker Giuseppe Rossi has given his country a pre-World Cup boost by returning to training with Fiorentina on Friday. Former Manchester United forward Rossi injured his knee on Jan. 5, but just two months out from the beginning of the World Cup in Brazil, he is now back in training in Tuscany. The US-born 27-year-old was greeted by about 500 fans for his return. It was the second major knee problem he has suffered in his career, having missed the majority of a two-year period from 2011 to last year, during which time he transferred from Villarreal to La Viola, due to a torn cruciate knee ligament. His return was welcome news for Italy coach Cesare Prandelli and the diminutive striker was part of the 42-man squad named for physical tests at Italy’s training base.
SOCCER
Stoch site: ‘kill gays’
Slovak international winger Miroslav Stoch of Greek side PAOK faces disciplinary action after being accused of making threats against Olympiakos players, the Greek soccer federation said on Friday. Stoch, 24, and PAOK said that the remarks on the player’s Instagram account were the work of hackers. The player reportedly wrote on his site: “We will kill those fucking gays in Toumba!!!” The reference was to the second leg of the clubs’ Greek Cup semi-final scheduled for Wednesday at PAOK’s Toumba Stadium. Greek champions Olympiakos won the first leg 2-1, in a match which saw Stoch red-carded.
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