GOLF
Thomas takes halfway lead
Justin Thomas yesterday had a six-under 66 to take a two-stroke lead halfway through the CIMB Classic, staying within striking distance of the tournament record he set in winning the title last year. He started the second round in a three-way share of the lead with Keegan Bradley and Derek Fathauer after opening with a 64, and followed up with a bogey-free round containing six birdies to move to 14-under, two shots clear of Asian Tour leader Anirban Lahiri. Lahiri had eight birdies, but finished with a 66 after a double-bogy on his final hole yesterday, leaving him at 12-under. Taiwan’s Chan Shih-chang carded a six-over-par 72. There is no cut for the tournament, so the whole field of 78 will play today.
SKIING
Hirscher gets skiing gong
Overall FIS Alpine Ski World Cup champion Marcel Hirscher has been voted world skier of the year for a third time. The Austrian was set to receive the Serge Lang Trophy yesterday, the International Association of Ski Journalists said. He was also the recipient in 2012 and last year. The annual award is named after the founder of alpine skiing’s World Cup 50 years ago. Last season, Hirscher matched the record of five overall titles set in the 1990s by Marc Girardelli, though Hirscher became the first male skier to win the title five years in a row. Last year, Hirscher shared the skier of the year award with fellow Austrian Anna Veith, who won the women’s overall title two years in a row, but has since been sidelined by a knee injury.
GOLF
Lee opens up six-stroke lead
Australia’s Minjee Lee opened up a six-stroke lead at the top of the US$2.1 million Blue Bay LPGA leaderboard as the second round ended yesterday. The 20-year-old, who is in her second year on the LPGA Tour, followed up her first round 65 with a bogey-free 67 despite windy conditions, giving her a commanding lead at 12-under-par. “I think I had a pretty solid round today,” she said. “I don’t think it’s easy out there. It’s still windy and the greens are really undulated so you have to be in the right places.” Germany’s Caroline Masson birdied four of the last five holes at the Jian Lake Blue Bay course — where she finished runner-up in 2014 — to go second, one shot ahead of Spain’s Carlota Ciganda and the US’ Jessica Korda. Kaohsiung-born Candie Kung fired a two-over 74, Min Lee carded a two-under 70 and Yani Tseng hit a five-over 77.
CRICKET
Younis Khan stands firm
Veteran batsmen Younis Khan and Asad Shafiq yesterday hit half-centuries to guide Pakistan to 205-3 at tea on the opening day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi. Younis was unbeaten on 84, with skipper Misbah-ul-Haq 35 not out after Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat on a batting-friendly pitch at Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Younis was lucky not to be dismissed in the last over before tea as part-timer spinner Kraigg Brathwaite dropped a straightforward catch off his own bowling when the batsman was on 83. Younis, who missed the first Test as he recovered from dengue fever, has so far hit seven boundaries and one six after reaching his 31st half-century shortly after lunch.
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