Tennis and cricket stars spearheaded by Nick Kyrgios and Chris Lynn yesterday pledged support for victims of bushfires raging around Australia, donating cash for every ace or six they hit.
The blazes have claimed 18 lives and forced mass evacuations, with the country bracing for a weekend heatwave expected to fan the deadly infernos.
Tennis Australia also announced a “Rally for Relief” exhibition match at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne on Jan. 15 ahead of the Australian Open, with “the world’s top players” taking part.
It also made a A$1.0 million (US$693,705) donation to help communities repair and rebuild tennis facilities damaged or lost in the bushfires.
Kyrgios, a controversial figure with a “bad boy” reputation, has been at the forefront of building support and pledged A$200 for each ace that he serves in an Australian summer of tennis, starting with the ATP Cup, which began yesterday.
“I’m kicking off the support for those affected by the fires. I’ll be donating A$200 per ace that I hit across all the events I play this summer,” tweeted the 24-year-old, who was handed a 16-week suspended ban in September after a series of outbursts.
His Australian teammate at the inaugural ATP Cup, Alex de Minaur, went one better.
“I like this — I will go A$250 per ace, just because I don’t think I’ll be hitting as many aces as you, mate,” he replied, with Australian veteran Samantha Stosur also pledging A$200 per ace.
On Thursday, Kyrgios, who is also to play the Kooyong Classic and the Australian Open, issued a call for fundraisers for victims of the bushfires, which have been a big talking point at the 24-team ATP Cup being staged in Brisbane, Perth and Sydney.
Tournament director Tom Larner announced that each ace served at the 10-day event would deliver A$100 to bushfire relief.
The initiative is forecast to raise about A$150,000, with more than 1,500 aces expected to be sent across courts over the duration of the tournament, which ends on Friday next week.
“Most of the players are already keen to score aces and win a quick point, and having the chance to raise money for the bushfire appeal will give them that extra bit of motivation,” he said.
Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said that he was working with the ATP and WTA to extend the move to all tournaments in Australia this month, including at Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart.
“During the Australian Open, we also plan to honor and recognize the incredible work of our firefighters, emergency services workers and volunteers who serve our communities so tirelessly,” he said. “I know fans will turn out in force to the AO Rally for Relief to support this great cause, as well as get involved in all our other fundraising activities.”
The third cricket Test in Sydney between Australia and New Zealand is also monitoring for smoke, with players wearing black armbands yesterday as a mark of respect for those who have died.
Two of the biggest hitters in the game, Lynn and Glenn Maxwell, said that they would donate A$250 for every six they smash during the ongoing Big Bash League Twenty20 tournament.
“Hey Guys, for every six I hit in this year’s Big Bash League, I will donate A$250 towards the Red Cross Bushfire Appeal,” Lynn tweeted. “It is special to see so many athletes from various sports getting in behind the real heroes who are fighting to save lives and properties around our country.”
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