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TOUCH

Taiwan team dominated

Taiwan’s men’s over-45 team are winless so far at the Asia Pacific Seniors Touch Cup in Japan over the past few days. Taiwan face New Zealand, England, Japan and Australia in the grade, one of nine at the Federation of International Touch-run tournament in Utsunomiya. Taiwan opened their campaign with a 14-1 loss to New Zealand on Wednesday before falling 12-0 to England later on the first day. The challenge continued on day two yesterday. Taiwan were defeated 10-0 by the hosts before taking on Australia, one of the sport’s traditional powerhouses, losing 14-1. In a second meeting with New Zealand, Taiwan went down 14-2. Pan Ci-ruei, Pai Keng-hao, Chien Hao-shiang and Pan Chih-ming scored Taiwan’s touchdowns over their first five matches. “The tournament is a first international touch experience for all players, and they are truly embracing it,” Taiwan coach Fershad Irani said.” The team is building into the tournament and improving with each game.” Taiwan’s game against England today is scheduled to be broadcast on the internationaltouch YouTube channel at 11:20am Japan time. They are to play Japan later in the day and Australia tomorrow. The tournament, which runs through tomorrow at the Tochigi Sports Park, has senior and masters age categories in men’s, women’s and mixed formats, with Canada, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, South Africa and the US also attending.

Photo courtesy of Mr Wu

SOCCER

Brawl ends Kenyan game

Outrage erupted in Kenya on Wednesday after a referee was attacked and chased out of a Nairobi stadium by fans for awarding a penalty during a key match. The Kariobangi Sharks and Mombasa United were vying over who would get to play in the top division next season. The Nairobi-based Sharks were leading 2-1 when referee John Sulwe awarded the other side a penalty. The team’s players surrounded Sulwe and began to shove him, before the crowd invaded the pitch — a plastic seat at one point flying through the air and narrowly missing his head. He was forced off the field, escorted by stewards, and the match was abandoned in the 68th minute.

SOCCER

Southampton coach fined

Southampton coach Tonda Eckert has been fined amid other sanctions for his part in the spygate scandal last season. Southampton were expelled from the Championship playoff final in May after admitting to spying on other teams, including semi-final opponents Middlesbrough. Eckert was charged for his involvement in three incidents. The English Football Association said Eckert admitted to the charges and on Wednesday, and that he had been reprimanded and fined ￡28,000 (US$37,000). He was also suspended for six weeks, with the sanction suspended until the end of next season.