BOXING
Garcia claims world title
Danny Garcia overcame a sluggish start to win a unanimous decision over Robert Guerrero at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Saturday and claim the WBC world welterweight title vacated by Floyd Mayweather Jr. With Mayweather, who retired in September last year, sitting ringside, Garcia (32-0) took control from the middle rounds and was awarded the decision 116-112 by all three judges. Guerrero (33-4-1) controlled the early going, landing big shots and forcing Garcia to retreat, but things took a turn in the sixth round when Garcia responded with a series of strong right-hand shots. Garcia poured it on late in the fight, but Guerrero thought he had done enough. “Not one person out there thought Danny won but his team. I pressured him, I nailed him, busted his body up. I outjabbed him,” Guerrero said. “I want a rematch and that’s it.”
SOCCER
US women thrash Ireland
The US women’s soccer team’s road to Rio de Janeiro got off to a smooth start. Carli Lloyd scored three goals to help the US defeat the Republic of Ireland 5-0 in an international friendly on Saturday at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California. It was the US’ final match before next month’s Olympic qualifying tournament for the Games in Rio de Janeiro. Alex Morgan, playing in her 100th match with the national team, and Mallory Pugh, making her debut, also scored. Lloyd made it 3-0 with her last goal in the 28th minute when she sprinted free from the Ireland defenders and sent a shot past goalkeeper Emma Bryne. It was the FIFA Women’s Player of the Year’s 19th goal in her past 14 matches.
SOCCER
Mourinho touts credentials
Jose Mourinho has written a six-page letter to Manchester United outlining his credentials to succeed under-fire manager Louis van Gaal. The Independent on Sunday said 52-year-old Mourinho, out of work since parting ways with Chelsea last month, outlines in detail his blueprint to resuscitate the Old Trafford giants, who slumped to a 1-0 loss to Southampton on Saturday. The timing of Mourinho’s reported contact with United is interesting as frustrated Old Trafford fans booed their team off the pitch in the aftermath of their latest setback. The report said the Portuguese coach used the letter to pledge his commitment to adapting his style of management and how he would overhaul the squad. Mourinho has been linked with the United job before when Sir Alex Ferguson left to be replaced by David Moyes in 2013. As well as two spells at Chelsea, Mourinho has also coached Porto, Inter and Real Madrid.
SOCCER
Zambia advance to quarters
Veteran striker Chris Katongo earned Zambia a quarter-final berth at the African Nations Championship on Saturday by scoring the only goal in a 1-0 win against Uganda in Gisenyi, Rwanda. Katongo powered in a header from close range just four minutes before halftime to earn the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations champions a second straight win. The victory means Zambia top Group D with a maximum six points, while Uganda, who have just one point, need to beat bottom side Zimbabwe in the final round of matches on Wednesday to have any hope of reaching the quarter-finals. Zimbabwe were eliminated from the competition following their 1-0 loss to Mali as the West Africans picked up their first victory courtesy of Moussa Sissoko’s late volley. Mali are second in the group on four points and next meet Zambia needing just a draw to advance.
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