RUGBY UNION
Tindall to retire
Mike Tindall, the last member of the England squad that won the 2003 World Cup still playing, announced his retirement from the sport on Tuesday. The 35-year-old center, who appeared 75 times for his country, wrote on Twitter: “After 17 years it’s time to retire from rugby. I have been lucky to play with/against some great players, two great clubs and had some amazing times. Thank you to everyone who has supported me through my career!” Tindall was pivotal to England’s Grand Slam victory in 2003, but later found himself in hot water in a wretched 2011 World Cup campaign in New Zealand. England’s disappointing performance in 2011 led to the exit of coach Martin Johnson, England’s 2003 World Cup-winning captain, and the end of Tindall’s international career after he was heavily criticized for a night out during the tournament. Tindall, who married one of Queen Elizabeth II’s granddaughters, Zara Phillips, in 2011, started his career with Bath in 1997 and spent eight seasons at the Rec before moving to their West Country rivals Gloucester. He spent almost a decade at Gloucester and became the club’s player-coach following the arrival of director of rugby Nigel Davies in 2012.
ATHLETICS
Powell returns from ban
Jamaican sprinter Asafa Powell wasted no time getting back into the thick of the action a day after his doping ban was reduced, running a modest 10.30 seconds in the 100m at a Lucerne meeting on Tuesday. Powell, who along with fellow Jamaican Sherone Simpson was told on Monday the Court of Arbitration in Sport had cleared them to run again, finished third behind compatriot Julian Forte, who won in 10.23 seconds, and Antoine Adams of St Kitts and Nevis, second in 10.29 seconds. The former world-record holder, who is still the fourth fastest man in history, was suspended for 18 months, but the ban was reduced to six months on appeal, leaving him free to compete immediately.
ICE HOCKEY
Crosby forgoes surgery
Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby will not need surgery to repair his sore right wrist and instead will continue treatments to heal the injury, team general manager Jim Rutherford said on Tuesday. The Penguins have not revealed the nature of the injury, saying only that the NHL superstar center, who has led Canada to the past two Winter Olympic gold medals, had a wrist issue that required more evaluation. “After seeking additional medical advice, doctors have decided not to perform surgery on Sidney Crosby’s wrist,” Rutherford said. Crosby led the NHL in scoring last season and was named the Hart Trophy winner as the league’s most valuable player for the second time in his career.
FOOTBALL
Greg Hardy found guilty
NFL Pro Bowl defensive end Greg Hardy has been found guilty of assaulting a female and communicating threats. Mecklenburg County Judge Rebecca Thorn-Tin on Tuesday sentenced Carolina Panthers player to 18 months’ probation. A 60-day jail sentence was suspended. Hardy’s attorney Chris Fialko says he will appeal, and Hardy has asked for a jury trial in superior court. In North Carolina that means the terms of Hardy’s probation are on hold until the trial — so he is free to travel with the team to training camp and compete in games. The judge disregarded Hardy’s testimony that he was the one abused by the accuser and asked her to leave his Charlotte apartment during a domestic dispute on May 13.
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