ICE HOCKEY
Blackhawks coach fined
Chicago Blackhawks head coach Joel Quenneville has been fined US$25,000 by the National Hockey League for inappropriate conduct during Game One of their first-round playoff series against the St Louis Blues on Thursday. Quenneville made an angry gesture during the second overtime of Chicago’s 4-3 triple-overtime loss to the Blues, reacting to a call that was not made in the first overtime that would have given the Stanley Cup champions a five-on-three-man advantage on the ice. St Louis had to kill off delay-of-game penalties for shooting the puck into the stands in the first two overtimes and Quenneville argued vehemently for a second delay of game. On Friday, Quenneville apologized for his gesture, describing it as a “bush-league move on my part.” The US$25,000 will go to the NHL Foundation, the league said in a statement issued on Friday.
SOCCER
St Etienne, Rennes draw 0-0
AS Saint-Etienne’s bid for a Champions League spot stalled as they drew 0-0 with Stade Rennais in the French league on Friday. The hosts struggled to create chances, although Saint-Etienne winger Romain Hamouma headed in a cross from Benoit Tremoulinas in the 64th minute, but the goal was disallowed for offside. Paris Saint-Germain top the standings with a 10-point lead over AS Monaco. Saint-Etienne stayed in fourth place, six points behind LOSC Lille Metropole, who have a game in hand.
SOCCER
Age record may fall
Mauritian Kersley Appou could become the oldest international goalscorer today, just seven days after creating African soccer history. The striker overtook Cameroon legend Roger Milla last weekend as the oldest African international by playing in a 1-0 loss against Mauritania aged 43 years and 354 days. If Appou finds the net in the second leg of a Cup of Nations qualifier next year, he will replace Singapore striker Aleksandar Duric as the oldest international scorer. Serbia-born Duric was on target against Malaysia during 2012 aged 42 years and 105 days, according to soccer statistics foundation RSSSF. Milla is second, famed Englishman Stanley Matthews third, Zambian Kalusha Bwalya fourth and Fung King-cheung from Hong Kong completes the five oldest scorers among FIFA member nations. Appou has scored consistently in domestic soccer this season, prompting Mauritius coach Akbar Patel to recall the striker after seven years in the wilderness. The coach sees a role for Appou, who has struck 10 goals in 25 internationals spanning 16 years. “Kersley scores regularly and I have a hunch he will be among the goals against Mauritania and help us qualify,” he said.
SOCCER
Tombides, 20, dies of cancer
West Ham’s Australian striker Dylan Tombides died on Friday following a three-year battle with testicular cancer. The 20-year-old, who made his Hammers first-team debut two years ago, passed away with his family at his bedside. West Ham confirmed the news of Tombides’ death in a statement on their Web site. Tombides was first diagnosed with cancer while representing Australia during the 2011 Under-17 World Cup in Mexico. Perth-born Tombides was regarded as one of the most exciting young players to come out of Australia after signing with West Ham as a 14-year-old. After being diagnosed, he battled back to make his first-team debut off the substitutes’ bench in a League Cup match against Wigan in 2012.
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