BUNDESLIGA
Dortmund ‘autumn champs’
Borussia Dortmund are to begin the new year in pole position to win their first title since 2012 after beating second-placed Borussia Moenchengladbach 2-1 on Friday. An outstanding goal from English teenager Jadon Sancho and a sliding finish from Dortmund captain Marco Reus ensured that Dortmund end the first half of the season top of the table as “autumn champions.” Reus said they showed some signs of tiredness following three league games in the past six days, including Tuesday’s shock 2-1 defeat at Fortuna Duesseldorf. “A few weeks break will do us good so that we can attack again in the new year,” Reus said. The win puts Dortmund nine points clear of ‘Gladbach, who are level on points with reigning champions Bayern Munich. Dortmund head coach Lucien Favre played an experimental back four with defensive midfielder Julian Weigl partnering Omer Toprak at centerback. “We deserved the win and now a few days of holiday,” Favre said. “Julian Weigl played really well, created a lot of movement and solved a few problems for us at the back.”
LA LIGA
Alaves tally another win
Deportivo Alaves on Friday won at Real Sociedad 1-0 to head into the winter break in fifth place. The small club beat their regional rivals thanks to an early goal by Jonathan Calleri. The Argentine striker headed in a cross from Borja Baston in the 11th minute. Alaves have proven to be the surprise of La Liga as the season reaches its midway point. Their success is largely based on a stingy defense that has kept them unbeaten in all eight of their home games. Their win at Sociedad broke a dip in form that kept them winless in four rounds. Soceidad’s fans booed their team after a fourth consecutive loss that left them in 16th place. “We have to improve in every aspect,” Sociedad midfielder David Zurutuza said. “We have trouble scoring, especially against teams like [Alaves], which defend in their half.” Sociedad gave a debut to 16-year-old Ander Barrenetxea as a late substitute.
SOCCER
Ronaldo trial set for Jan. 21
Cristiano Ronaldo is to be tried for tax fraud on Jan. 21, a Spanish court said. He is expected to plead guilty and receive a suspended two-year sentence, in agreement with a deal the Portugal forward struck with Spain’s state prosecutor and its tax authorities this year. The deal includes Ronaldo agreeing to also pay a fine of nearly 19 million euros (US$21.6 million). Last year, a state prosecutor accused Ronaldo of four counts of tax fraud from 2011 to 2014 worth 14.7 million euros. Ronaldo was accused of having used shell companies outside Spain to hide income made from image rights.
BASEBALL
C.C. artery block removed
Left-hander C.C. Sabathia had a stent inserted after a blockage was found in an artery from his heart, and the New York Yankees anticipate the 38-year-old pitcher is to report to spring training on time. “C.C. was experiencing some chest pain which turned out to be a blockage in one artery to his heart,” Sabathia’s agent Kyle Thousand said on Friday in a statement. “A procedure was done to insert a stent to clear the blockage on Dec. 11. C.C. is doing great and will be reporting to spring training on time to get ready to play for his upcoming final season in 2019.” Sabathia is listed as 198cm and 136kg, and his weight has contributed to a chronic right knee problem that has required several operations.
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