OLYMPICS
Doping at Sochi reported
A whistle-blower who helped lift the lid on a drugs scandal engulfing Russian athletics said on US television on Sunday that state-sponsored doping extended to Russian competitors at the Sochi Olympics. Vitaly Stepanov, a former employee of Russia’s anti-doping agency, who is now living in the US, told the CBS network’s 60 Minutes program that he had been told of a doping cover-up during the 2014 Winter Games by Grigory Rodchenkov, former head of the now-discredited anti-doping lab in Russia. Russia’s minister of sports, responding to a preview of the interview, had said on Saturday that the allegations that at least four Russian gold medalists in Sochi were using steroids, were “speculation.”
RUGBY UNION
Toulon defeat Castres
Toulon overcame the injury-enforced loss of veteran Australian flyhalf Matt Giteau to beat Castres 17-7 on Sunday and stay comfortably on course for the French Top 14 playoffs. Giteau, 33, suffered an adductor strain and was replaced by Frederic Michalak. It was the latest setback for the Australian playmaker, whose only appearances since the start of last month were the European Rugby Champions Cup quarter-final defeat to Racing 92 and last week’s Top 14 clash with Toulouse. Michalak had not been named in the squad, but he was cool and confident as he converted both his team’s tries from Fiji winger Josua Tuisova and All Blacks center Ma’a Nonu. Castres only got on the scoreboard in the last minute when Thomas Combezou went over for a converted try.
ICE HOCKEY
Canada thrash Hungary
Reigning champions Canada swept past promoted Hungary 7-1 in their Ice Hockey World Championship Group B encounter in St Petersburg to make it two wins from two on Sunday. Defenceman Michael Matheson collected a goal and two assists, while Colorado Avalanche goaltender Calvin Pickard made 21 saves on his debut for Canada, who notched their 12th consecutive win at the worlds. Winnipeg center Mark Scheifele and skipper Corey Perry put Canada two goals in front, before Istvan Bartalis narrowed their lead in the first period. Mark Stone, Brad Marchand, Derrick Brassard of New York Rangers and Matheson added one apiece in the second before Taylor Hall completed the rout in the third. In the second Group B match, 2011 champions Finland experienced few problems against Germany on their way to a confident 5-1 win to also move onto six points from two games. Slovakia, the 2002 champions, brushed aside France 5-1. In the early Group A match, Russia beat Kazakhstan 6-4 for a seventh win in as many meetings with their neighbors. Colorado winger Andreas Martinsen netted an overtime winner to give Norway a hard-fought 4-3 Group A victory over Switzerland. 2013 winners Sweden also battled back from a goal down to beat Denmark 5-2.
ICE HOCKEY
Senators hire new coach
The Ottawa Senators have hired Guy Boucher as their new head coach, replacing Dave Cameron, who was fired last month, the NHL team announced on Sunday. The 44-year-old Boucher was given a three-year contract to become the 12th head coach in franchise history. “Over the past three weeks, [general manager] Pierre Dorion and our hockey operations staff have undertaken a thorough and comprehensive search for our next head coach,” Senators owner Eugene Melnyk said. “There was overwhelming consensus that Guy was our top candidate.”
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