TENNIS
Taiwan’s Hsieh advances
Taiwan’s Hsieh Su-wei advanced to the third round at the Jiangxi Open in China yesterday, defeating Eri Hozumi, while compatriot Chang Kai-chen beat Zhang Shuai of China 6-4, 7-6 (8/6), 6-4. Hsieh lost the first set to her Japanese opponent 4-6, but claimed the next two 6-3, 6-4 to win in 2 hours, 12 minutes. In other results from Nanchang, Han Xinyun beat Wang Qiang 5-7, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3; Tereza Martincova beat Alla Kudryavtseva 7-5, 2-6, 6-4; and Kristyna Pliskova defeated Jang Su-jeong 6-3, 7-6 (7/4).
CRICKET
India’s Dhawan dominates
India opener Shikhar Dhawan smashed a career-best 190 on his Test return and combined with Cheteshwar Pujara to lay the foundation for a big first-innings total on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka yesterday. The duo added 253 runs for the second wicket to help India overcome the loss of Abhinav Mukund and Virat Kohli to reach 399-3 at stumps. Dhawan hit 31 fours in his 168-ball blitz before throwing his wicket away in the final over before the tea break. Pujara also thrived, reaching 144 not out at the close, with Ajinkya Rahane at the other end on 38 not out. Paceman Nuwan Pradeep took all three wickets to fall, conceding 64 runs.
SOCCER
Roma defeat Tottenham
Marco Tumminello scored two minutes into stoppage-time to give AS Roma a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur in a bad-tempered International Champions Club match at the Red Bull Arena in Horizon, New Jersey, on Tuesday. Tumminello’s winner came just a minute after Tottenham’s Vincent Janssen had tied the match by scoring from a scramble in front of goal. Harry Winks had brought the Premier League club back into the match with his 87th-minute goal after Roma had taken a 2-0 lead through Diego Perotti and Cengiz Under. Referee Hilario Grajeda handed out only two yellow cards in a match that featured several heavy tackles, and some pushing and shoving from two sides who finished second in their leagues last season. Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino also came close to being sent to the stands. Roma manager Eusebio di Francesco told reporters that his side would be buoyed by the win, but did not read too much into the result. “We played a good performance, but it’s still July. It’s too early to make assessments,” he said via an interpreter. “Obviously it’s a boost of confidence for me and the lads.”
GOLF
Jarrod Lyle hospitalized
Australian golfer Jarrod Lyle is in hospital undergoing tests in Melbourne, his family said yesterday, prompting fears he is facing a third battle against acute myeloid leukemia. The 35-year-old, who played several seasons on the PGA Tour and won two titles on the Web.Com Tour, has previously fought the cancer in 1998 and again after a relapse in 2012. “A routine blood test conducted earlier this week returned abnormal results, and Jarrod was immediately admitted to hospital and placed under the care of his previous medical specialist,” a statement released on behalf of his family by Golf Australia said. “He will remain there at least until a full diagnosis has been made.”
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