OLYMPICS
Australia fail to qualify
Australia will not have a men’s eight crew in Olympic rowing for the first time in 68 years after failing to qualify for Rio de Janeiro at the final regatta in Lucerne, Switzerland. Australia’s men’s eight, who needed a top-two finish at the weekend regatta, but finished a distant fourth, have made the start line at each Olympics dating back to London in 1948, winning six medals — two silvers and four bronze. The Australian women’s eight also needed a top-two finish, but placed third.
SOCCER
Former referees indicted
South Korean prosecutors have indicted two former soccer referees over allegations that they received money from a club official — also formally charged — in return for favorable decisions in five K-League matches in 2013. An official from the K-League yesterday said that the two former referees, who allegedly received 5 million Korean won (US$4,200) from a Jeonbuk Hyundai scout over five matches between March and October 2013, were permanently expelled from the league in December last year after prosecutors began their investigation into corruption in professional soccer. The two men were among four former referees convicted in court in February for receiving money from Gyeongnam officials over matches between 2013 and last year. Jeonbuk, who on Tuesday advanced to the quarter-finals of the Asian Champions League, said it suspended the scout and that he acted alone.
SOCCER
Koeman close to new deal
Southampton coach Ronald Koeman’s contract negotiations are moving in the right direction, said Southampton executive director Les Reed, who hinted that both parties are now working on the finer points of an extended deal. Koeman has enjoyed two successful seasons at St Mary’s, having broken the south coast club’s English Premier League record points tally twice and guided the Saints into the UEFA Europa League with a sixth-place finish earlier this month. The Dutchman, who is in the final year of his contract, has been heavily linked with a move to managerless Everton by the British media, but has previously affirmed his commitment to Southampton.
SOCCER
Ajax appoint new coach
Ajax have appointed former Netherlands international midfielder Peter Bosz as their new coach on a three-year deal, the club has confirmed. Bosz, a former player and technical director at rivals Feyenoord, arrives from Maccabi Tel Aviv, who he led to the runners-up position in the Israeli league and cup after joining the club in January. “It is a good time for me as a coach. I am very ambitious and so are Ajax,” Bosz said in a statement released by the Amsterdam-based side. Ajax director Edwin van der Sar said the 52-year-old’s philosophy suits the team. “In Peter Bosz, we have a trainer that can make our talented squad even better,” Van der Sar said. “The clubs he has coached always played attacking football and that suits Ajax. Peter is experienced and has a clear vision.” Bosz replaces Frank de Boer, who left Ajax at the end of the recently completed season after the club were beaten to the league title on the final day by PSV Eindhoven. However, De Boer did win four league titles in his six seasons in Amsterdam and has been linked in the media to the vacant managerial post at English Premier League side Everton.
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