ICE HOCKEY
Olympics decision urged
A senior Canadian official believes NHL players will return to the Winter Olympics and is urging an early decision this time. The participation of NHL players in the Olympics is contentious because of disruption to the league season and teams’ concerns over injury risks. Bob Nicholson, a vice president of the International Ice Hockey Federation and former Hockey Canada head, was asked on Friday about the prospect of NHL players competing at the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea. He said “the players want to go, but it’s very difficult for the NHL.” He says “if everyone agrees to take some and leave some on the table, I think we’ll see NHL players in the future.”
CRICKET
Banned bowler set for return
Pakistan seamer Mohammad Amir, banned and jailed for spot fixing in one of cricket’s darkest episodes, is set to be handed a dramatic return to the sport. The International Cricket Council (ICC) is expected to revise its anti-corruption code at a two-day board meeting starting in Dubai today, allowing all banned players to feature in domestic matches before their suspensions expire. Sources said that the ICC chief executives’ committee has already approved the new provision and has recommended the full board to do the same. Although the revised code will apply to all banned players, it could specifically benefit the 22-year-old Amir, who was exiled from cricket after a spot-fixing scandal during Pakistan’s tour of England in 2010. Amir and pace partner Mohammad Asif, along with then-Pakistan captain Salman Butt, orchestrated deliberate no-balls in return for money during the Lord’s Test against England four years ago.
OLYMPICS
Rudisha wins new award
Kenyan Olympic champion David Rudisha said he was “honored” on Friday as he led the prize-winners at a star-studded inaugural all-new Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) awards gala in Bangkok. The 800m gold medalist and world record holder beamed as he was named best male athlete from London 2012. Chinese table tennis champion Li Xiaoxia was best female athlete of the 2012 Games and biathlete Ole Einar Bjoerndalen, the most decorated winter Olympian of all time, was best male from the Sochi Games. Legendary Russian gymnast Larissa Latynina and former Olympics boss Jacques Rogge were also honored for their achievements. “I feel really honoured this evening to win this award. It means a lot for me and it’s really very special,” Rudisha said, calling his 2012 record-breaking win his “greatest moment” in athletics. The awards, aimed at becoming the “Oscars” of the sports world, are a product of a revamped and newly ambitious ANOC under its president, Kuwait’s Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah.
GOLF
Toms takes lead in US
David Toms fired six birdies in a six-under-par 66 on Friday to seize a share of the lead alongside John Rollins in the USPGA Tour event in Jackson, Mississippi. Toms had a 36-hole total of 10-under-par 134. Rollins also posted a 66, his coming with eight birdies and two bogeys. They were two strokes in front of Canadian Nick Taylor, who carded a second-round 69. It was a further stroke back to Tom Gillis (68) and Robert Streb (70) on 137. Overnight leader Sebastian Cappelen of Denmark had two holes remaining in what had been a difficult round. He was three-over for the day through 16 holes to fall into a share of 21st.
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