WRESTLING
Saudi officials cut broadcast
Saudi General Sports Authority on Saturday apologized after images of scantily clad women appeared on big screens during a world wrestling event in the nation, which hosted women and children for the first time. Viewers said the broadcast of WWE’s “Greatest Royal Rumble” was cut off for a few moments as the images played. The authority said there were shots of women who were “indecent” and added that it would not show matches involving female wrestlers. Friday night’s event featured WWE star John Cena and others.
SOCCER
Sundowns win SA title
The Mamelodi Sundowns on Saturday overcame an early setback to defeat Ajax Cape Town 3-1 in Pretoria and clinch a record-extending eighth South African Premiership title. The home side fell behind after two minutes, when Mosa Lebusa scored for the relegation-threatened visitors in the penultimate-round match, but three goals before halftime turned the tide in favor of the Sundowns. The second place Orlando Pirates fell 1-0 at Cape Town City, leaving the Sundowns with an unassailable seven-point advantage going into the final round on May 12. The Kaizer Chiefs put recent troubles behind them to defeat Maritzburg United 2-0 and replace them in third place.
SOCCER
Sevilla fires Montella
Sevilla have fired Italian coach Vincenzo Montella for poor results. The club made the move on Saturday, a day after the team lost at Levante 2-1. It was Sevilla’s ninth straight match without a victory in all competitions. Montella leaves the club in seventh place in La Liga, the last spot guaranteeing a Europa League berth next season.
HOCKEY
Sabres awarded first pick
The struggling Buffalo Sabres were awarded the first pick in the June 22 to June 23 draft after winning the lottery on Saturday. The Sabres, who finished last and won just 25 games this season, now have a chance at selecting Swedish defenseman Rasmus Dahlin, who is considered by many scouts to be the top prospect available. “We’re absolutely ecstatic,” Buffalo general manager Jason Botterill said. “We’re really looking forward to adding a great player to our group here at the end of June.” The Carolina Hurricanes will pick second, followed by the Montreal Canadiens. The Ottawa Senators and Arizona Coyotes round out the top five picks.
GOLF
Kisner, Brown lead into final
Kevin Kisner and Scott Brown on Saturday teamed to shoot an eight-under 64 in better ball to take a one-shot lead heading into the final round of the Zurich Classic. The duo last year lost on the fourth hole of a playoff to Cameron Smith and Jonas Blixt, the first for the Zurich as a team event. They are in contention once again atop a crowded leaderboard at 20-under 196. Tony Finau and Daniel Summerhays shot a bogey-free 63, and Michael Kim and Andrew Putnam had a 66 to finish one shot behind Kisner and Brown. There were 13 teams within four shots of the lead. Several teams went low in the easier better-ball format. The teams of Brice Garnett-Chesson Hadley, Billy Horschel-Scott Piercy and Jason Dufner-Pat Perez all shot 61s to jump into contention.
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
Taiwan’s Lee Jhe-huei and Yang Po-hsuan on Saturday won the men’s doubles bronze medal at the Badminton Asia Championships in Ningbo, China, after they were bested by the hosts in their semi-final. The Taiwanese shuttlers lost to China’s Liang Wei Keng and Wang Chang, who advanced to yesterday’s final against Malaysia’s Goh Sze Fei and Nur Izzudin. The Chinese pair outplayed Lee and Yang in straight games. Although the Taiwanese got off to a slow start in the first game, they eventually tied it 14-14, before Liang and Wang went on to blow past them to win 21-17. In the second game, Lee and