NASCAR
Jimmie Johnson bows out
Jimmie Johnson strode into the final news conference of his NASCAR career wearing a black hat reading: “One Final Shot.” Told he was the first driver in the room after Sunday’s race at Phoenix Raceway in Avondale, Arizona, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion had a quick response. “I won something this year,” he said. Johnson closed out one of the greatest careers in NASCAR history by finishing fifth at Phoenix — first among the drivers not in the Cup playoffs. The 45-year-old spent some of the final moments in his No. 48 car pumping his fist and shouting from the window at his Hendricks Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott after the 24-year-old won his first Cup championship. “It was nice to be competitive out there, but my bucket’s full,” Johnson said. “NASCAR has been so wonderful for me. This journey has been more than I could have dreamed of or expected. Last couple years weren’t as I would have dreamed up, but I’ve experienced the highest of highs and worked with the greatest of people.” Johnson, who is sixth on NASCAR’s all-time win list with 83 victories, plans to turn his focus to the IndyCar Series.
CRICKET
Delhi head to IPL final
The Delhi Capitals on Sunday advanced to their first Indian Premier League (IPL) final after a 17-run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. After choosing to bat first in the second qualifier, Delhi posted 189-3 with Hyderabad managing 172-8 in reply. Delhi face defending champions the Mumbai Indians in today’s final in Dubai. “This has been a roller coaster,” Delhi captain Shreyas Iyer said. “A lot of ups and downs. We have stuck together like a family.” Mumbai, the most successful team in IPL history, are playing for a record-extending fifth title.
CYCLING
Roglic hints at hat-trick
Slovenia’s Primoz Roglic hinted he might try for a third consecutive success at the Vuelta a Espana after winning the race for the second time in as many years on Sunday. Team Jumbo-Visma’s Roglic became the first rider to defend the Vuelta since Roberto Heras in 2005, with Germany’s Pascal Ackermann clinching the 18th and final stage victory in Madrid. “It’s beautiful to be on the podium again... It’s nice to win the red and green jersey at the end of my season,” Roglic said. “So thank you very much and see you next year.”
TENNIS
Kyrgios ‘was in a dark place’
Australian Nick Kyrgios has opened up on his battle with depression and said that returning to live with his parents in Canberra during the COVID-19 pandemic this year has been good for his mind and soul. Kyrgios, who started seeing a psychologist in 2018, has been criticized for not caring enough about his tennis career. “I felt like no one wanted to know me as a person; they wanted to get a hold of me as a tennis player and use me,” Kyrgios told Stellar magazine. “I didn’t feel like I could trust anyone. It was a lonely, dark place.” Kyrgios, 25, recalled a time in Shanghai when he “didn’t want to see the light of day.” “There are people who live and breathe tennis and that’s fine. I’m not saying that’s wrong or right,” he said. “I’ve reached a level of freedom in my life that I really don’t care what anyone thinks of me.”
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