SOCCER
‘Unknown’ Beckham in PNG
David Beckham has delighted Papua New Guinean (PNG) villagers by playing in an exhibition match as part of a global charity tour, although the Pacific nation’s sports minister admitted “a lot of them don’t know who this guy is.” The soccer legend and former England captain traveled to Mount Hagen in the Western Highlands province to start a seven-nation trip, taking part in a series of games to raise funds and awareness for the UN children agency UNICEF. Papua New Guinean Minister of Sports Justin Tkatchenko told the National newspaper he was humbled PNG was the first port of call for the 40-year-old superstar, one year before his nation hosts the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup. However, he added to the Australian Broadcasting Corp that some of the villagers playing with Beckham would not be aware who he is. “Two local teams from two different villagers here in Mount Hagen will be playing with him,” Tkatchenko told the ABC. “A lot of them don’t know who this guy is and how famous he is, but those who have access to social media and that play soccer and have the love for the sport are just over the moon.”
OLYMPICS
Diack referred to ethics
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) ethics commission will look into the case of Lamine Diack, the former IAAF president who is under investigation in France on corruption and money-laundering charges. Diack is an honorary member of the IOC. French authorities on Wednesday said he was placed under investigation on suspicion of taking at least 200,000 euros (US$220,000) from Russia to cover up positive doping tests. Paquerette Zappelli, the IOC’s chief ethics and compliance officer, says “in light of the criminal investigation against Mr Lamine Diack ... I have decided to refer this case to the IOC ethics commission.” Earlier, the IOC said it was “following these ongoing inquiries very closely and awaits the full facts coming to light.” The IOC expressed “full confidence in the new leadership of the IAAF.”
SOCCER
No Gerrard return: Klopp
Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp on Wednesday said that former skipper Steven Gerrard would not be returning to the club, although he would be happy to have the legendary Anfield stalwart train with his squad. Gerrard left for the US last summer to play for the Los Angeles Galaxy in Major League Soccer. However, the North American season has ended, prompting speculation that the 35-year-old Gerrard could be loaned back to the Premier League giants. “He is a legend. If he’s in Liverpool and wants to train ahead of next season in LA, that’s absolutely no problem. Nothing else,” Klopp was quoted by the Liverpool Echo as saying at a press conference in Russia ahead of yesterday’s Europa League clash against Rubin Kazan. “All I can say is that I’ve had contact with Stevie — one phone call and a few messages.”
SOCCER
Nantes beat Nice 2-1
Teenage striker Alexis Alegue Elandi scored his first goal in the French league to help Nantes win 2-1 at OGC Nice and move up to seventh place on Wednesday. The 18-year-old Cameroonian struck in the 11th minute, picking up a pass from midfielder Jules Iloki and firing confidently past goalkeeper Mouez Hassen. After defender Romain Genevois equalized for Nantes from close range in the 42nd, Iceland striker Kolbeinn Sigthorsson grabbed the winner with his first goal since joining from Dutch club Ajax, where he scored 31 goals in 80 league games.
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
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and