South Korea’s An Byeong-hun yesterday eagled his penultimatte hole to take a one-stroke lead after the opening round of the Australian Open at a wet and windy Lakes Golf Club.
An, aiming to become the first Asian to lift the Stonehaven Cup, snaked a 25-foot uphill putt into the hole with his third shot at the par-five eighth for a five-under-par 67.
That was enough to give the former US Amateur champion a one-stroke advantage over Australians Matt Jager, who also bagged an eagle, and amateur David Micheluzzi, who was making his debut at his home Open.
Mexican Abraham Ancer made light of his long journey to Sydney after playing on home soil at the Mayakoba Golf Classic last weekend by brushing off a couple of early bogeys with five birdies on the back nine for a 69.
Australians Marcus Fraser, Adam Stephens, Dimitrios Papadatos also shot 69s before the worst of the rain swept over the course, and they were later joined in a share of fourth by compatriots Blake Proverbs and Cameron Percy.
Matt Kuchar, the highest-ranked player in the field, had one of the better rounds among the late starters, mixing two early bogeys with four birdies for a two-under 70.
Fellow American Keegan Bradley shot an even-par 72, while two other PGA Tour regulars, Brandt Snedeker and Brendan Steele, went one-over for their rounds.
That was one better than Cameron Smith, the highest-ranked Australian in the field in the absence of Jason Day, Adam Scott and Marc Leishman.
Cameron Davis endured a nightmare start to his title defense with a quadruple-bogey after dumping two balls into the water at his first hole.
The young Australian followed that with a double-bogey at the second and a bogey at the third, and only partially undid the damage with four birdies, signing for a 76.
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