Taiwan’s Hung Chien-yao yesterday hit seven birdies and did not drop a shot on the opening day of the True Thailand Classic to finish near the top of the leaderboard, just one shot behind leader Michael Hoey of Northern Ireland.
Level in second place with the 24-year-old Hung on seven-under were Spain’s Carlos Pigem, who on his last three holes recorded two birdies and an eagle to jump up the rankings, and David Lipsky of the US, who hit a bogey on the eighth, but otherwise equaled Hoey with eight birdies.
Hoey took the outright lead with a course record of eight-under-par 64 in good conditions at the Black Mountain Golf Club.
Photo: AFP
“We had 10 or 11 holes with not much wind, which was an advantage teeing off early,” Hoey was quoted by europeantour.com as saying. “I hit the ball well, and it suits me that there’s a bit of length off the tee; you can carry a few corners and reach the par fives in two.”
“It has been a long time since I had a bogey-free card,” the five-time European winner added. “To be bogey-free and have no fives on the card — and a course record — is a nice start. I’m swinging the club well so hopefully I can put three more good rounds together and see what happens.”
Shiv Kapur of India celebrated his 33rd birthday by finishing in fifth place with 6-under 66, two strokes behind the Northern Irishman.
Veteran Taiwanese golfer Lu Wei-chih finished further down the field in equal 74th place with an even-par score of 72 after he alternated bogeys and birdies, but did not manage to finish under par.
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