SOCCER
Micronesia concede 46
Micronesia were humiliated 46-0 by Vanuatu on Tuesday, ending their already dismal Pacific Games campaign on a new low with one of the most lopsided scores ever seen in the sport. The latest drubbing follows a 38-0 loss to Fiji and 30-0 scoreline against Tahiti, meaning the Federated States of Micronesia conceded 114 goals in their three group games without reply. The halftime score was 24-0 and Vanuatu, ranked No. 200 in the world, did not let up after the break in humid conditions in Papua New Guinea, which is hosting the multi-sport Pacific Games. Vanuatu striker Jean Kaltack helped himself to 16 goals, rocketing to top spot on the tournament scoring ladder. Organizers labeled it the biggest win in international soccer history, although it is unlikely to go in the record books, as Micronesia are not FIFA members and it is an under-23 tournament. The record scoreline in a senior international was American Samoa’s 31-0 loss to Australia in 2001. However, in a lesson for the young Micronesians, the Samoans ignored jibes about being the worst team in history and eventually recorded their first ever win against Tonga in 2011.
OLYMPICS
Hungary backs 2024 bid
Hungarian lawmakers have voted in support of a bid by the capital city, Budapest, to host the 2024 Summer Games. The bid has already received the backing of the Hungarian Olympic Committee and the Budapest city council, with the Hungarian government’s approval expected soon. The resolution presented by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s FIDESZ party and its Christian Democrat allies was also supported on Monday by the far-right Jobbik party, but rejected by opposition parties. Optimistic about the financial results of organizing the event, lawmakers asked the government to use any extra budget revenues primarily to develop Hungary’s health sector.
BOXING
Fury-Klitschko date set
Unbeaten British boxer Tyson Fury is to get a shot at the world heavyweight title in October after agreeing terms for a meeting with champion Wladimir Klitschko. The 39-year-old Ukrainian’s WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO crowns are to be on the line when the pair meet in the German city of Duesseldorf. “Don’t matter where this fight is, Ukraine, Deutschland, Japan, it will be the same outcome,” Fury said on Twitter on Monday. “The Gypsy King will come out of this fight as the best heavyweight on the planet.” The 26-year-old has a 24-0 record, while Klitschko has not lost for 11 years. “Done deal,” Klitschko said on Twitter. “Looking forward to the fight on October 24th.”
FOOTBALL
Jordan video released
A video of a US football player hitting a woman was made public on Monday. The Florida State Attorney’s office released a surveillance video of DeAndre Jordan, a 19-year-old freshman quarterback at US college powerhouse Florida State University, punching a woman in the face at a crowded bar in a June 24 incident. Within hours, the school’s coach, Jimbo Fisher, announced that Jordan had been dismissed from the team. He had been suspended indefinitely last month under school policy. Johnson was charged with misdemeanor battery on Tuesday last week and released after turning himself in to police. Officials say they charged him after seeing the video and talking with the woman struck, who had a black eye and bruised lip and face.
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