SOCCER
Juventus win Cup
Gianluigi Buffon on Wednesday became a Coppa Italia winner for the sixth time, also lifting the trophy for the second time with a member of the Chiesa family. Buffon’s Juventus claimed this season’s tournament after a 2-1 final win over Atalanta BC in which Federico Chiesa scored the winner, 22 years after the veteran goalkeeper triumphed with Parma alongside his teammate’s father, Enrico Chiesa. “Before the match I said to him: ‘Gigi, you’ve won a lot of trophies, but I remind you that you won it with my father. Tonight’s let’s try and win together,’” Federico Chiesa said. Buffon, 43, was playing his final match for Juve, as he is to leave after the end of the current campaign.
SOCCER
PSG have shot at double
Paris Saint-Germain have a domestic double in their sights after on Wednesday winning the Coupe de France 2-0 against AS Monaco at the Stade de France. Goals from Mauro Icardi and Kylian Mbappe won a largely uninspiring final for PSG, who go into this weekend’s final round of Ligue 1 fixtures with a record-equaling 10th league title still a possibility. “We work every day to experience this kind of feeling, reward and recognition,” Mbappe said. “It’s the work of a whole group, staff, all the people who work every day for us, the club and of course the supporters who couldn’t be there. We think a lot about the fans and this title is for them as well.”
SOCCER
Maradona charges loom
Seven people under investigation over the death in November last year of Argentine legend Diego Maradona face charges of premeditated murder, a judicial source told reporters on Wednesday. The accused — who include Maradona’s neurosurgeon Leopoldo Luque, psychiatrist Agustina Cosachov and psychologist Carlos Diaz — face eight to 25 years in prison if found guilty. The indictment is based on findings by a board of experts into Maradona’s death from a heart attack last year, said a source from the San Isidro Attorney General’s Office, which is leading the investigation.
ATHLETICS
Kerley runs 9.96 seconds
US sprinter Fred Kerley on Wednesday won the 100m at the Golden Spike meet in Ostrava in 9.96 seconds, seeing off 2004 Olympic champion and veteran compatriot Justin Gatlin. Kerley last month posted a sub-10 second time when he clocked 9.91 seconds for the second-fastest time so far this season, trailing Trayvon Bromell’s world-leading mark by 0.03 seconds. In Ostrava, Kerley beat 39-year-old Gatlin, who clocked 10.08 seconds, and Canada’s Andre de Grasse in 10.17 seconds.
RUGBY UNION
Australia launch hosting bid
Australia yesterday launched a bid to host the 2027 Rugby World Cup, calling it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” that would generate billions of dollars and return the sport to its former glories. The 1991 and 1999 champions hosted the World Cup in 2003, reaching the final, but results have dwindled and rugby union has come under financial strain in Australia. “This is an exciting day for all Australians as we formally put our hand up to host the third-largest sporting event in the world,” Rugby Australia chairman Hamish McLennan said in a statement.
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