BASEBALL
Alex Rodriguez returns
Alex Rodriguez singled in his first at-bat in nearly 18 months as the formerly banished player began his attempted comeback with the New York Yankees with a Spring Training contest in Tampa, Florida, on Wednesday. Rodriguez, 39, is coming off a 162-game suspension for his role in a drug scandal and is attempting to work his way back with the Yankees. His journey began with the exhibition contest that saw him finish 1-for-2 with a walk. Rodriguez received a mix of cheers and boos early, but mostly positive reaction by the end of his action. The day marked the first time Rodriguez faced Major League pitching since September 2013.
BASEBALL
Tanaka on track to play
Japanese hurler Masahiro Tanaka is moving closer to his first game of spring training for the New York Yankees. The Yankees have been keeping a close eye on Tanaka, looking for trouble related to the partially torn right elbow ligament that sidelined him for part of last season. He threw a 30-pitch bullpen session on Wednesday at the Yankees’ spring training facility in Tampa, Florida. “Gradually, I’ve been able to build up pretty well thus far,” Tanaka said in comments posted on the team’s Web site. “Whenever they want me to go, I think I’m ready to go.” Tanaka will probably pitch a simulated game before being scheduled for his first start in an exhibition game.
ICE HOCKEY
TSN apologizes for tweet
Canadian sports network TSN has issued a public apology to Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf, his wife, actress Elisha Cuthbert, and forward Joffrey Lupul after it aired an inflammatory fan tweet about Cuthbert and Lupul. The apology was read by host James Duthie on Sportscentre on Tuesday night and posted prominently on the network’s Web site after Phaneuf, Cuthbert and Lupul sent a letter threatening legal action. The insinuating tweet about Lupul and Cuthbert was included in an ongoing social media crawl at the bottom of the screen on Monday. “In spite of TSN’s protocols to prevent unfounded and inappropriate tweets from making it to air, a false and inappropriate tweet was allowed to run,” TSN said. “There was no basis for the false allegation made in this tweet. TSN unreservedly apologizes to Joffrey Lupul, Dion Phaneuf and Elisha Cuthbert, and regrets any embarrassment this unfortunate incident has caused to them.”
BADMINTON
Li makes winning start
Olympic champion Li Xuerui made a winning start to her All England Open campaign on Wednesday with a 21-13, 21-17 victory over Zhang Beiwen of the US. Li, who lost in the first round two years ago after winning in 2012, always looked in control against Zhang, her variation of pace proving too much. However, Zhang did claw her way back to 15-15 from 15-9 down in the second game, posing serious questions of Li’s usually-composed game. Meanwhile, Li’s compatriot, Chen Long, the men’s world No. 1, had woken up on the morning of his first round match with a tight muscle in his neck. He blamed one of his hotel pillows, and sported a plaster to try and deal with the problem. Fellow countryman Xue Song raced away with the first game 12-21. A shock looked on the cards as Chen netted slugglishly at 16-16 in the second before the 2013 champion rattled off three points in a row to set up a decider. Chen’s forehand smash was prominent thereafter and he comfortably took the match 21-9 to set up a last-16 clash with Hsu Jen-hao of Taiwan.
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