BASKETBALL
Simmons mourns cousin
Australian center Ben Simmons, the top pick in the NBA draft on Thursday last week, was in mourning on Sunday after the death in a hit-and-run accident of a cousin who was with him when he was selected. Zachary Simmons, 21, was killed in Hoboken, New Jersey, early on Saturday morning. Police told CBS New York he had attended a friend’s birthday party and was struck by a vehicle going at least 112kph.His death came a night after he went to the NBA draft with his cousin, who was chosen first overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. “Hearing the news this morning is a reminder to never forget the important things in life,” the 19-year-old NBA newcomer said on Twitter. “I’m glad I could share this moment in my life with you. Rest in peace Cuzzo. Much love Zachary Simmons.” Simmons also shared a photograph of him and his cousin at the draft, with the former Louisiana State University star from Down Under wearing the cap of his new club.
CYCLING
Blythe edges Cavendish
Mark Cavendish was on Sunday stunningly beaten by Adam Blythe in a sprint finish at the British national championships road race. Cavendish was world champion in 2011 and national champion two years later, but was overhauled by Blythe in the final 20m of the 207km race that finished in Stockton-on-Tees, England. Manxman Cavendish, 31, has won 26 Tour de France stages and recently secured a place in the British Olympic team for the Rio Olympics. However, Blythe, 26, produced the faster finish to take the greatest win of his career. “I wanted that one. I was all day thinking about it, always trying to be in the right move. With a couple of laps to go I thought we might hold off the chasers, but it came back together. Luckily I got round Cav [in the sprint],” Blythe told British Cycling. Andy Fenn took third, while last year’s winner Peter Kennaugh missed the race due to a broken collarbone.
CYCLING
Bouhanni retires on injury
French sprinter Nacer Bouhanni was on Sunday forced to pull out of the national championships after injuring his hand in a fight the night before. Bouhanni’s Cofidis team issued a statement saying the 25-year-old had been “assaulted by drunken people.” Cofidis said Bouhanni and his brother Rayane had been disturbed in their hotel room by an adjoining room. “Nacer asked them to stop being a nuisance and was assaulted by drunken people,” Cofidis said. “He hurt his right hand and was taken to hospital to get four stitches. He did not suffer a fracture.” The team said the notoriously hot-headed sprinter had slept only two hours and pulled out of the French championships 40km from the finish. The 2012 French champion was visibly struggling with his hand injury, but Cofidis said his Tour de France participation was not in doubt.
RUGBY UNION
Italy win on Canna penalty
Italy’s substitute flyhalf Carlo Canna on Sunday kicked a late penalty to secure a 20-18 comeback win over Canada in a rugby union Test. Trailing 18-17, Canna made the decisive kick from close range in the 72nd minute after a back-and-forth game dominated by penalties. Canna was yellow-carded in the 76th minute for a high tackle on Dan Moor, reducing Italy to 14 men. However, Italy maintained possession and held on for victory. Ornel Gega scored a try for Italy, while Tommaso Allan kicked four penalties. Gord McRorie scored all of Canada’s points with six penalties. The score was 9-9 at halftime.
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