BOXING
Huck decisions Larghetti
German cruiserweight Marko Huck defeated Mirko Larghetti of Italy by unanimous decision on Saturday in Halle, Germany, to retain his WBO belt for the record-equaling 13th time. The judges scored it 116-112, 116-112, 118-110 in favor of the defending champion, who was really only troubled in the seventh and eighth rounds. Huck still managed to open a cut under Larghetti’s right eye in the seventh. “I respect how my opponent fought, but I deserved to win,” said Huck, who used his height, longer reach and greater experience to his advantage. Huck improved after some harsh words from trainer Ulli Wegner at the end of the eighth. The previously undefeated Larghetti was in danger of being knocked out by the 11th. Huck went for it in the final round, which ended with a flurry of punches as the bell was ringing to leave the challenger on the canvas. The Serbian-born Huck improved to 38-2-1 (26 KOs) and equaled the record held by Johnny Nelson for the most successful title defenses in the cruiserweight division. Larghetti dropped to 21-1 (13 KOs).
CYCLING
Bouhanni wins Vuelta stage 8
Nacer Bouhanni of France won a windy eighth stage of the Spanish Vuelta on Saturday, while Alejandro Valverde kept the overall leader’s red jersey. Strong winds divided the peloton over the final part of the 207km ride from Baeza to Albacete, but the stage led to no change among the race favorites. Bouhanni sprinted ahead of the pack and dipped his bike to the left at the last second to hold off Michael Matthews, who was about to overtake him at the finish line. It was the FDJ.fr rider’s second stage win in this edition after he also won a sprint finish on day two. Valverde leads with Nairo Quintana 15 seconds behind. Alberto Contador trails by a further three seconds and Chris Froome was 20 seconds off the pace.
GOLF
Kuchar hovers around lead
Jason Day thought he might be able to pull away from the field on Saturday at the Deutsche Bank Championship in Norton, Massachusetts. Nine holes later, the second FedEx Cup playoff event was wide open. The Australian made three bogeys in swirling wind on the back nine at the TPC Boston, including the final hole. That gave him a three-under 68 and a share of the lead with Ryan Palmer, who had a 71. After two rounds, 16 players were separated by four shots. Matt Kuchar made six straight birdies around the turn and shot 66. He was one shot behind in what is shaping up as an emotional week. The wife of his caddie, Lance Bennett, died of a seizure on Wednesday. Several players are contributing to a trust fund for the couple’s four-year-old daughter. Kuchar says it was easier to play on Saturday, although Angela Bennett remains on his mind.
GOLF
Otto keeps Italian Open lead
Hennie Otto of South Africa shot a one-under 71 on Saturday to take a two-stroke lead into the final round of the Italian Open in Turin, where Stephen Gallacher’s late bid to qualify for the Ryder Cup is to go down to the wire. Otto, who won this event in 2008, began the day with a three-shot lead, but struggled at times, carding two bogeys and a double bogey, as well as five birdies. Gallacher shot 69 to move to within six shots of the lead and four behind compatriot Richie Ramsay (66) in second place. Gallacher is the only man still capable of moving into the automatic Ryder Cup places in the final qualifying event, with a top-two finish enough to dislodge former US Open Champion Graeme McDowell from Europe’s team.
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