SOCCER
Japan captain retiring
Japan captain Makoto Hasebe has announced his retirement from the national team, on the heels of the squad’s heartbreaking ejection from the World Cup in a match against Belgium. “I have decided to end the chapter of my career with the national team with this tournament,” Hasebe wrote on Instagram. The 34-year-old defensive midfielder’s departure from the Blue Samurai could mean a changing of the guard for the team, with former AC Milan striker Keisuke Honda, 32, also saying that he plans to retire from the national squad. This year’s World Cup was Hasebe’s third, after South Africa in 2010 and Brazil in 2014, and saw his team come heartstoppingly close to the quarter-finals before crashing out against Belgium.
BASEBALL
Angels activate Ohtani
The Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday activated two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani from the 10-day disabled list and used him as the designated hitter in their game against the Seattle Mariners. Ohtani and his injured right elbow are only cleared to hit for now, but Los Angeles said he would be re-evaluated as a pitcher in three weeks. Ohtani received stem cell therapy and a platelet-rich plasma injection to help heal the grade 2 sprain of his ulnar collateral ligament suffered more than three weeks ago. “We’re going to see how many looks we can give him as a [designated hitter] and hopefully he’ll give us a lift there,” Angels manager Mike Scioscia said. Ohtani went none for four in Los Angeles’ 4-1 loss to the Mariners.
TENNIS
Agassi open to coach again
Eight-time Grand Slam champion Andre Agassi is open to a return to coaching despite the challenges he faced last year in the role while guiding Serbia’s Novak Djokovic. Agassi took on his first coaching role last May, when he joined Djokovic’s team as head coach, but the duo split in March as the 12-time Grand Slam winner struggled to recover after undergoing elbow surgery. His first steps into coaching were “challenging, interesting and educational,” said the American former world No. 1, who retired in 2006. “When I played, I never felt pressure, but a lot of stress,” he said. “As a coach, I never felt stress, but a lot of pressure. Would I help someone if I could? Of course I would.”
RUGBY UNION
NZ captain Read to return
All Blacks captain Kieran Read is to return to the Canterbury Crusaders lineup for their Super Rugby clash against the Otago Highlanders on Friday after recovering from back surgery. The 32-year-old back-rower underwent a medical procedure late last year to correct a bulging disc in his back that was causing chronic leg pain. Read, who last month trained with the All Blacks and made himself a “pain in the butt,” according to coach Steve Hansen, last week played a warm-up match for provincial side Counties-Manukau and is now ready to step up to Super Rugby level. The Crusaders top the Super Rugby table on 54 points and are looking strong favorites to defend their title, with Read’s return ahead of the playoffs a massive boost to their chances. Victory over the Highlanders would guarantee them top seeding and home advantage throughout the playoffs, which start in two weeks.
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