MOTOGP
Stoner to test ride for Ducati
Retired two-time MotoGP world champion Casey Stoner is to be a test rider for Ducati next season, the Italian manufacturer said on Monday. The Australian, who left the sport at the end of 2012, won his first MotoGP title with Ducati in 2007 before moving to Honda and taking his second in 2011. Ducati have not won a grand prix since he left. Stoner returned to racing with Honda in this year’s Suzuka eight hours endurance race, but crashed when his bike’s throttle jammed. There has been speculation that the 30-year-old, who has also tested for Honda, could make a MotoGP return with Ducati as a wild card, but neither the manufacturer nor rider alluded to that on Monday. “I have so many great memories working with the people and the brand of Ducati and the opportunity to work with them again is something very special,” Stoner said in a statement announcing his new role. “I’m looking forward to assisting the team, [riders] Andrea Dovizioso and Andrea Iannone however I can.”
RUGBY UNION
Ma’a Nonu eyes more titles
Ma’a Nonu has arrived in France and is longing to add more titles to his glittering resume with three-time European Rugby Champions Cup winners Toulon. Fresh from winning the World Cup with the All Blacks last month, the 33-year-old inside center was on Monday presented at the Top 14 club, saying “they’ve won the championship three years in row, a lot of good players I’ve played against are playing here and I’m looking forward to playing alongside them.” Nonu, who made his Test debut against England in 2003, bid farewell to international rugby with a try in the World Cup final, won by New Zealand in a 34-17 victory over Australia. Nonu is expected to play his first match at the Stade Mayol on Dec. 5 against Agen.
RUGBY UNION
Marinos to head SANZAR
Southern hemisphere rugby organization South Africa, New Zealand and Australia Rugby (SANZAR) has reappointed South Africa-based Andy Marinos as its chief executive. Marinos, who was SANZAR chief executive between 2008 and 2010, has worked for the South African Rugby Union over the past five years as general manager of commerce and marketing. He returns to his former role on Jan. 1, replacing Greg Peters, who has stepped down. SANZAR runs the Rugby Championship, involving Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa, and the Super Rugby competition that is to expand next season from 15 to 18 teams, involving teams from Argentina and Japan for the first time.
SOCCER
Gerrard to play for Legends
Former Liverpool star Steven Gerrard is to pull on the famous Reds shirt once again after agreeing to play for the club’s Legends side in Australia next year. Gerrard is currently on a post-season break from his Los Angeles Galaxy commitments after joining the MLS club from Liverpool earlier this year. The ex-Liverpool captain has spoken with Anfield manager Jurgen Klopp about training at Melwood while he is back on Merseyside. However, the 35-year-old midfielder is also to be in a Liverpool shirt at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney on Jan. 7 alongside former teammates, including Jamie Carragher, Dietmar Hamann and John Arne Riise, as part of a Legends team managed by former Reds boss Gerard Houllier that is to play against a team of Australian counterparts. “It will be great to play with the official Liverpool FC Legends,” Gerrard told Liverpool’s official Web site.
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