BASKETBALL
Bosch picks free agency
All-Star center Chris Bosh on Sunday informed the Miami Heat that he will exercise an early termination clause in his contract, following teammates LeBron James and Dwyane Wade into free agency. Bosh’s expected decision comes five days after James declined his player option, with Wade following suit on Saturday, when forward Udonis Haslem also elected to become a free agent. While the move gives other NBA teams a tantalizing chance to try to woo Miami’s stars, it also gives the Heat a massive US$55 million in salary cap space going into the free agent signing period that begins today. That might let the Heat add another established name and still re-sign James, Wade and Bosh. Wade and Bosh have publicly said they are open to taking a pay cut to keep James on the team.
CYCLING
Kreuziger denies doping
Czech cyclist Roman Kreuziger says that independent experts have found that anomalies in his biological passport were not due to doping. Kreuziger, who was dropped from the Team Tinkoff-Saxo lineup for the Tour de France, said on his Web site that he had his biological passport checked upon being informed in June last year of abnormal results in 2011 and 2012. Kreuziger says two accredited experts “unanimously concluded that the values were due to causes that were not due to the use of doping substances or methods.” He said the experts’ conclusions were passed to the UCI. Kreuziger says he informed Tinkoff-Saxo that he did not take any forbidden substances or use any forbidden methods and that he will defend himself by legal means if necessary.
WORLD CUP
Van Gaal aces cool break
Netherlands coach Louis van Gaal took advantage of the first official water break at the FIFA World Cup to switch tactics and conjure up a late win for his side over Mexico on Sunday. He used the second-half break for water — introduced because of the temperatures estimated at around 35oC — to change his formation and the Dutch side came from a goal down to win 2-1 in the last-16 match. “I first changed to a 4-3-3 and then we created a lot of opportunities with a shot on the post and a fantastic save from [Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo] Ochoa. Then I moved to plan B and yes, I did that in the cooling break that is a clever way of benefiting from these breaks,” he told reporters. A water break in each half is only allowed when the temperature in the stadium is above 30oC and is decided by FIFA doctors. It is pre-arranged with the teams and referees. Van Gaal had pleaded before the game for Portuguese referee Pedro Proenca to allow breaks, saying some of his players could lose up to 4kg during the match. Fans at the Estadio Castelao also took shelter from the sun, with many moving to the back so they could be in the shade.
CRICKET
CA plans day-night Test
Australia and New Zealand have targeted playing a first Test match under lights in November next year, Cricket Australia (CA) said yesterday. CA, who have been discussing playing Tests under lights for at least five years, scheduled a number of first-class matches at Sheffield Shield at night using pink balls and black sightscreens earlier this year and hopes to have the concept perfected in time for New Zealand’s tour next year. The venue is yet to be fixed for the day-night Test. CA chief executive James Sutherland, however, added the traditional Boxing Day Test in Melbourne and Sydney’s New Year’s Test would not be touched and both still played during the day.
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