SOCCER
Blatter, Platini’s bans cut
A FIFA appeal committee in Zurich, Switzerland, on Wednesday reduced bans against Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini to six years, but maintained they were still guilty of ethics breaches. The appeal result was announced as UEFA general secretary Gianni Infantino and Asian soccer head Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al Khalifa stepped up their rivalry in the campaign to take over as head of soccer’s scandal-tainted world body in a vote today. The bans against Blatter, FIFA president for 17 years, and UEFA president Platini were reduced from eight years to six by the appeal committee. Both were found guilty of conflicts of interest when Blatter approved a US$2 million payment to Platini in 2011 for consultancy work done without a contract a decade earlier.
GOLF
Cheng second in Australia
Brooke Henderson birdied her first three holes and the final one yesterday for a six-under 67 and a share of the first-round lead at the Australian Ladies Masters in Gold Coast, Australia. Henderson finished level with Denmark’s Nicole Broch Larson and France’s Marion Ricordeau. Taiwan’s Cheng Ssu-chia, South Korea’s Jiyai Shin, England’s Lauren Taylor and Sweden’s Camilla Lennarth were a stroke behind and tied for fourth after 68s. Australian Su Oh, the defending champion, shot 71. Cheyenne Woods, niece of Tiger Woods and 2014 champion, had a 75.
OLYMPICS
Favelas ban angers Rio
The Australian Olympic Committee has upset Rio officials by imposing a ban on their athletes going to the city’s favelas during this year’s Olympic Games over security fears. Team chef de mission Kitty Chiller said the urban slums would be off-limits to its 450 athletes, a move that prompted Rio Mayor Eduardo Paes to reportedly claim “the Australian committee has been a source of aggressions to Brazil.” Chiller put out a statement late on Wednesday defending the decision. “We love Brazil and we look forward to sharing in the excitement of the Rio Games in August,” Chiller said.
SOCCER
Braga advance in Europa
Sporting Club de Braga became the first club to qualify for the last 16 of the Europa League, drawing 2-2 on Wednesday against Sion to advance 4-3 on aggregate. Nikola Stoiljkovic’s 48th-minute volley ensured the Portuguese club’s progression after two first-half goals from Sion’s Fanis Gekas, either side of Josue’s 27th-minute penalty, leveled the score over two legs. Vincent Ruefli hit the woodwork for Sion in a tense period of added-time. The competition’s other matches are scheduled for today.
TENNIS
Azarenka out of Acapulco
Top-seeded Victoria Azarenka pulled out of the Mexico Open in Acapulco on Wednesday with a left wrist injury, sending Dominika Cibulkova into the third round. Azarenka was playing her first event since falling in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open to eventual champion Angelique Kerber. The former world No. 1 from Belarus, now ranked 14th in the world, had needed two hours to beat Slovenia’s Polona Hercog in three sets in the first-round on Tuesday. Wednesday’s withdrawal from the ATP and WTA hardcourt tournament was another setback for a player who displayed strong form early this year, having apparently moved on from the injuries and personal issues that hampered her career over the past two years.
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