Cheng wins Rio spot in Laser Standard
National sailor Colin Cheng has clinched his spot in the Laser Standard class in the Aug 5-21 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, after beating team-mate Scott Glen Sydney over two regattas designated by SingaporeSailing as selection events.
It will be the second straight appearance for the 26-year-old at the Games. Singapore will be represented by a bumper crop of nine sailors across six classes in Rio.
Russia tennis chief takes back comment
MOSCOW • The president of the Russian tennis federation has backtracked over his comment that Maria Sharapova may not play again after testing positive for the banned substance meldonium.
Shamil Tarpishchev told the R-Sport news agency yesterday that the tennis superstar's situation was "bad", as the five-time Grand Slam champion faces a possible ban of up to four years for failing a drug test at the Australian Open in January.
Tarpishchev subsequently told Tass news agency: "I only said that she can't play now because no ruling on her case has been issued."
REUTERS
Muirfield status as Open venue stripped
LONDON • Scottish golf course Muirfield has lost its status as a British Open venue after voting against admitting female members, the sport's joint ruling body the R&A announced yesterday.
A proposal to allow female members did not receive the required two-thirds majority needed, and Muirfield will no longer be selected as a venue for golf's oldest Major.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Sick horse scuppers rider's record bid
TOKYO • Japanese equestrian rider Hiroshi Hoketsu, 75, is to miss out on becoming the oldest Olympic athlete, after his horse fell ill with a cough, officials said yesterday.
He was set to break the 96-year-old record of Swedish shooter Oscar Swahn, who was 72 years and 280 days old when he won his sixth Olympic medal at Antwerp 1920.
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Alvarez plans to fight Golovkin
LOS ANGELES • Saul Alvarez says he has vacated the World Boxing Council middleweight title he retained against Britain's Amir Khan earlier this month, and plans to fight undefeated middleweight Gennady Golovkin soon.
The Mexican confirmed that negotiations are under way for him to fight Golovkin, the World Boxing Association and International Boxing Federation champion.
REUTERS
Cheika extends Wallabies coach deal
SYDNEY • Wallabies coach Michael Cheika signed a contract extension until the 2019 Rugby World Cup yesterday, and has set his sights immediately on rebuilding Australian rugby to ensure success for the long term.
He took over from Ewen McKenzie at the end of 2014 after a troubled three years for the Test team, and enjoyed success after guiding the Wallabies to last year's World Cup final.
REUTERS
