CYCLING
Armstrong stripped of award
Lance Armstrong has been stripped of his award in the Legion of Honor, the best-known recognition in France. Armstrong was given the rank of “Chevalier” — or Knight — in the Legion d’Honneur in 2005, the last year of his seven consecutive Tour de France victories. He was later stripped of those titles for doping. A Legion of Honor official, who was not authorized to be quoted by name, on Wednesday said she was unable to indicate when the decision was made to remove Armstrong’s award.
SOCCER
New delay hits Cup stadium
A second test event for the stadium hosting the opening match of the World Cup on June 12 has been put back three days to June 1, FIFA said on Wednesday. Organizers decided a new dress rehearsal was needed at Sao Paulo’s Corinthians Arena after its first major test event, a Brazilian league match on Sunday, revealed a host of problems. The still-unfinished stadium has been plagued by budget overruns, construction delays and accidents that have killed three workers. “It [is] vital for us that all facilities will be tested under full match conditions, including the temporary seats and associated facilities,” FIFA secretary-general Jerome Valcke wrote on Twitter. Instead of a previously announced match between home team Corinthians and Cruzeiro on May 29, the stadium will now host Corinthians against Botafogo on June 1, said the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), switching the location with a second leg now scheduled for Rio de Janeiro in October. FIFA said in a statement the new event needed to draw more than 50,000 fans and test two extra seating areas that were not yet open at Sunday’s match because they had not received safety clearance from firefighters.
GOLF
McIlroy breaks engagement
An emotional Rory McIlroy on Wednesday announced he had broken off his engagement and split with Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki, only days after sending out the wedding invitations. The 25-year-old Northern Irishman and two-time major champion said the issuing of the invitations had made him aware that he was not ready for marriage. “The problem is mine,” McIlroy said through a statement issued by his Dublin-based communications consultants. The golden sporting couple’s high-profile breakup came on the eve of McIlroy’s appearance at the European PGA Championship. He later told a Wentworth press conference that he had never considered pulling out of the European Tour’s flagship event. “I want to drive straight into it and keep myself busy,” he said.
RUGBY UNION
Deysel out for stamping
Sharks flanker Jean Deysel has been suspended for three weeks after pleading guilty to stamping during a 30-25 Super Rugby win over the Crusaders in Christchurch, New Zealand, last weekend. Deysel was red-carded in the 16th minute for stamping on the head of Jordan Taufua after a tackle as the Durban-based Sharks defended their tryline. In a statement on Wednesday, competition organizers SANZAR said judicial chairman Jannie Lubbe suspended Deysel from all rugby until June 7, meaning he will miss at least two Super XV matches. Lubbe said stamping or trampling on another player “is an offense that cannot be tolerated in the game because not only is it totally against the spirit of the game, but it carries an inherent potential danger of serious injury to players, especially when contact is made in the head/face area.”
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