SOCCER
Costa leads Chelsea to win
Striker Diego Costa on Monday night struck late as Chelsea won their first competitive match under new manager Antonio Conte, beating West Ham United 2-1 in their English Premier League opener at Stamford Bridge. West Ham thought they had grabbed a late equalizer in the London derby after James Collins’ well-struck shot in the 77th minute canceled out Eden Hazard’s penalty-kick. However, Costa was able to steer the ball past Hammers goalkeeper Adrian from outside the box in the 89th to give the home team the result they deserved. West Ham rode their luck for much of the match, with Adrian denying Willian twice.
BASEBALL
Game over: Alex Rodriguez
Alex Rodriguez says he will not play again this season. The three-time American League Most Valuable Player was on Saturday released by the New York Yankees, who owed him about US$27 million for the rest of his contract, which runs through next year. Any team could sign A-Rod for a prorated share of the major league minimum of US$507,500, and Rodriguez’s hometown Miami Marlins on Sunday said they were discussing whether to reach out to the 41-year-old. “I want to put all this talk to rest about Alex playing for any team this season,” Rodriguez spokesman Ron Berkowitz said in a statement on Monday. “It’s not happening. Like he said Friday night, he is happy and he is going to take some time to relax and hang with his family and friends.”
FOOTBALL
NFL sets doping talks limit
The NFL has set an Aug. 25 deadline for four players to meet with the league regarding allegations of doping or they face the prospect of being handed suspensions, it was reported on Monday. Green Bay linebackers Clay Matthews and Julius Peppers, as well as Pittsburgh’s James Harrison and free agent Mike Neal, are facing punishment for their failure to speak with the NFL regarding an investigation into possible doping. The accusation against the players was made in a report in December last year by Al Jazeera America, which said that a former intern pharmacist told an undercover reporter that the four players, and retired quarterback Peyton Manning, were supplied with performance-enhancing drugs. The pharmacist later recanted his statement, but the league is investigating the report and said that multiple attempts had been made to set up interviews with the accused players.
RUGBY UNION
Fiji fear losing coach Ryan
Fiji’s euphoria following their historic Olympic gold medal in rugby sevens could be tinged with sadness, with Fijian Minister for Youth and Sports Laisenia Tuitubou yesterday warning they might not be able to afford to keep coach Ben Ryan. Tuitubou told the Fiji Times they could only hope the Englishman’s love for the South Pacific island nation and its rugby flair would convince him to remain. Ryan’s value as a sevens coach skyrocketed after he guided the Fijian side to gold in Rio to give the tiny nation its first ever Olympic medal. Ryan has said he wants to take a break from rugby after the Olympics before deciding on his future, and when it comes time to talk, Tuitubou hopes Fiji can trump foreign bidders by appealing to the coach on an emotional level.
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