SOCCER
Chelsea sign Pato
Premier League champions Chelsea have signed Brazilian forward Alexandre Pato on loan from Corinthians until the end of the season, the London club announced on Friday. “I am so happy to sign for Chelsea. It is a dream for me. I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know my new teammates and cannot wait to play,” he told Chelsea’s Web site. “I thank Chelsea for their support and hope I can repay this faith to the club and its fans.” Pato left AC Milan for his native Brazil in 2013, having scored 63 goals in 150 appearances for the Rossoneri and helping them to the Serie A title in 2010-2011. The 26-year-old has 27 caps for Brazil, scoring 10 goals.
CRICKET
West Indies take gamble
The West Indies have taken a gamble by naming Sunil Narine in their squad for the World Twenty20 tournament in March as the off-spinner is currently suspended from bowling in international cricket due to an illegal action. The 27-year-old was reported to the International Cricket Council during a one-day series in Sri Lanka in November last year and was later sanctioned after an independent assessment found his elbow extended beyond the maximum limit of 15 degrees. Considered an asset to the side, Narine was also initially selected for last year’s 50-over World Cup, but later withdrawn, and has been working on his action in a desperate attempt to get it cleared in time for the World Twenty20 in India.
FOOTBALL
Raiders eye new stadium
Oakland Raiders owner Mark Davis, whose NFL club does not have a stadium lease for next season, was meeting on Friday with officials in Las Vegas about plans for a US$1 billion domed stadium in the US gambling showplace. The Las Vegas Review-Journal and ESPN reported the meeting set between Davis, who is looking for a new home for his team, and Sands Corporation chairman and chief executive Sheldon Adelson, who wants to build a 65,000-seat stadium with a combination of taxpayer and private money. The Raiders had sought a move to Los Angeles, but backed off earlier this month as owners approved the St Louis Rams moving back to Los Angeles while giving the San Diego Chargers an option to join them in LA as part of a new stadium project. The Raiders would have a chance to join the Rams in LA if the Chargers say no, but with San Diego having up to a year to decide and his team needing some certainty for next season, Davis has spoken to Oakland officials about playing there another year.
SWIMMING
Phelps distraction works
US swim star Michael Phelps, hopeful of adding to his record of 22 Olympic medals in August at Rio, showed off his fitness at a college basketball game on Thursday by stripping down to his swimsuit. The 30-year-old appeared at a home game of Arizona State University, where he is training for his next Olympic bid. With 6 minutes and 13 seconds elapsed in the second half and Oregon State’s Stephen Thompson going to the free-throw line, students behind the baseline near the basket wheeled out a black curtain known as the “Curtain of Distraction.” Clowns and men dressed as babies have emerged from the curtain before, but this time the unveiling revealed Phelps between two shirtless students. Phelps danced and flexed to huge cheers from the crowd as Thompson missed both free throws in what eventually turned out to be an 86-68 Arizona State victory.
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