TENNIS
Nadal eyeing historic win
Reigning French Open champion Rafael Nadal defeated Carlos Berlocq in straight sets to reach the final of the Argentina Open in Buenos Aires, where he will try to secure a slice of clay-court history. The 28-year-old left-handed Spaniard rallied in the opening-set tiebreaker from a 6-1 deficit to win, then clinched Saturday’s semi-final when Berlocq hammered a forehand long on the first match point. “I was serving short in the first set and he [Berlocq] was very aggressive,” said Nadal, who won 7-6 (9/7), 6-2. “In the second, I was more aggressive and more dynamic with my shots. The tranquility and confidence gave me more energy at the end. I’m happy with the victory.” Nadal was due to face Argentina’s Juan Monaco in yesterday’s final where he was be trying to equal Guillermo Vilas’ all-time record of 46 titles on clay.
TENNIS
Ferrer wins in Acapulco
Second seed David Ferrer of Spain won his fourth Abierto Mexicano Telcel title on Saturday, beating top seed Kei Nishikori of Japan 6-3, 7-5 in the hard-court event in Acapulco. The 32-year-old has 23 ATP Tour singles titles, also winning the Qatar in January. He won his previous Mexico titles in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Earlier at the Fairmont Acapulco Princess, fifth seed Timea Bacsinszky of Switzerland won her second WTA Tour singles title, topping third seed Caroline Garcia of France 6-3, 6-0. The 25-year-old also won the 2009 Luxembourg Open.
GOLF
Harrington leads in Florida
Ireland’s Padraig Harrington held the lead after the second round of the Honda Classic in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, on Saturday with play abandoned in the afternoon because of severe rain. The rain wiped out the entire afternoon session, meaning the third round for most players was not due to begin until yesterday morning. The 43-year-old shot a four-under 66 in his second round at PGA National to go seven-under for the tournament. He has a stroke lead over Patrick Reed, who posted two rounds of 67.
GOLF
Coetsee doubles his lead
Wallie Coetsee doubled his Joburg Open overnight lead to two strokes on Saturday as a final-round showdown loomed between South African and English golfers. Of the top 14 names on the leaderboard after the third round at an overcast Royal Johannesburg and Kensington Club, eight are South African and the other six are English. South Africans have dominated the event, winning the past five editions and six of eight overall. Coetsee carded a two-under 70 for a 201 total. Fellow South Africans Jacques Blaauw (67) and Tjaart van der Walt (71), and Englishmen David Howell (68) and Steve Webster (65) were on 203 and shared second place. Among nine golfers on 204 was defending champion George Coetzee, who fired a second consecutive 69 to finish three strokes adrift of the leader.
BOXING
Frampton defends his belt
Carl Frampton stopped challenger Chris Avalos of the US in the fifth round to win his first defense of the IBF super bantamweight belt in Belfast on Saturday. Boxing in front of his hometown fans, the unbeaten Frampton rocked Avalos in the second round and upped the tempo in the fifth to force referee Howard John Foster to stop their contest after 1 minute, 33 seconds. Frampton improved to 20-0 (14 knockouts). Avalos, stopped for the first time, dropped to 25-3.
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