BASKETBALL
Singletary contract extended
The Taipei Fubon Braves have extended the contract of two-time P.League+ finals Most Valuable Player Mike Singletary to the league’s 2022-2023 season following his strong performances over the past two seasons. The 1.98m American forward, also known as “Championship Mike,” played a major role in helping the Braves clinch back-to-back P.League+ championship titles since the league’s inaugural 2020-2021 season, the club said in a statement. Singletary saved his best for last in the finals series’ title-winning game on June 27, when he had 43 points and 13 rebounds. Regarding his upcoming third season with the Braves, Singletary said he was excited for another chance to win the championship. “We have a chance to do something special this year and go for that three-peat. It’s not going to be easy, but I can’t wait to go to battle with my brothers again,” Singletary said.
OLYMPICS
Paris unveils slogan
Organizers of the Paris Olympics on Monday marked the two-years-to-go milestone to the 2024 Games by unveiling the official slogan — “Games Wide Open” — and said they got fresh backing from French President Emmanuel Macron for their planned giant opening ceremony along the Seine River. Macron held talks in Paris with International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach and brought together ministers and security officials to review Olympic planning — signaling quickening efforts to ready the French capital for the July 26 to Aug. 11, 2024, Games. Amid questions over the costs and security for the opening ceremony, Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet said that Macron, his interior minister and the Paris police chief reaffirmed “their total support for the organization of this ceremony on the Seine.”
RUGBY LEAGUE
Players refuse pride jersey
Seven players from the Manly Sea Eagles are to boycott an Australian rugby league match after refusing to wear the club’s one-off pride jersey, which shows support for the LGBTQ community, over “cultural and religious” beliefs, their coach said yesterday. The Sydney-based Sea Eagles are to wear rainbow-themed uniforms for a game against the Sydney Roosters tomorrow, a move unveiled earlier this week. It is the first time that a club in the National Rugby League has had a pride jersey. Manly coach Des Hasler apologized at a news conference for how the issue was handled, saying it was a “significant mistake” for the club not to consult the players before the jerseys were released. “None of the coaching staff nor the players had prior knowledge of the jersey. They are not wearing the jersey as it conflicts with their cultural and religious beliefs,” Hasler said. Josh Aloiai, Jason Saab, Christian Tuipulotu, Josh Schuster, Haumole Olakau’atu, Tolutau Koula and Toafofoa Sipley are the players missing the key match, Australian media said. The two teams are eighth and ninth in the table, with only six rounds of games to play. Only the top eight go into the next round of the campaign. The nation’s leader weighed in on the issue. “I certainly hope this is resolved,” Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said. “It’s a good thing that sport is more inclusive... It’s important in Australian society that we respect everyone for who they are.”
After letting another big lead slip with an error-strewn performance at the French Open on Wednesday, top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka felt like getting as far away from the courts as possible. “Just want to quit tennis right now,” Sabalenka said after wasting a lead of a set and two breaks in a 3-6, 7-5, 6-0 loss to Diana Shnaider in the women’s singles quarter-finals. “We’ll see in few days. Hopefully I’ll get back on track mentally.” Sabalenka’s wait for a first French Open title continues despite the four-time major winner leading 4-1 in the second set and being two points from victory while
BIG NAMES GONE: Zverev is the clear favorite for a maiden Grand Slam title, reaching semi-finals for the fifth time in six years and finishing second on three occasions Alexander Zverev on Tuesday breezed past Rafael Jodar to stay on course for an elusive Grand Slam title at the French Open, while Jakub Mensik halted Joao Fonseca’s scintillating run in the quarter-finals. Zverev, the highest-ranked player left in the men’s draw, put an end to Spanish teenager Jodar’s impressive Roland Garros debut, easing into the semi-finals with a 7-6, (7/3), 6-1, 6-3 win. The 29-year-old Zverev is the clear favorite for a maiden Grand Slam title. He has finished runner-up on three occasions, including at the 2024 French Open. “I want to win the matches that are ahead of
Liverpool are in advanced talks with former AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as they seek a replacement for Arne Slot, reports said on Tuesday. Iraola has emerged as Liverpool’s top target to replace Slot, who was sacked on Saturday last week after a turbulent second season in charge. Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to bring the Spaniard, who left Bournemouth at the end of this season, to Anfield. Sporting director Richard Hughes was heavily involved in hiring Iraola during his time at Bournemouth and is again spearheading the recruitment of the highly rated coach. The Reds are
US President Donald Trump said he would attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday at Madison Square Garden, but said he does not have much sympathy for ordinary basketball fans who cannot afford sky-high ticket prices to do the same. “They can watch it on television,” Trump said aboard Air Force One on Friday as he flew to Wisconsin for an event with farmers, after he was asked about tickets that have climbed as high as US$8,000 each when the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs square off in Manhattan for the first time in the series. “It’s sorta
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