British diver TOM DALEY "has said he is in a relationship with a man," making the announcement via a video on YouTube to "put an end to all the rumours and speculation." Daley, who won a Bronze Medal at the 2012 London Olympics, said that he wanted to reveal the news in a video because he did not want his words to be "twisted" (London GUARDIAN, 12/2). ... Indonesian boxer CHRIS JOHN "is looking for a new sponsor" after Golden Eagle Coffee pulled out of Friday's bout against Int'l Boxing Organization featherweight champion SIMPIWE VETYEKA "following a diplomatic row" between Australia and Indonesia over spying allegations involving President SUSILO BAMBANG YUDHOYONO and his inner circle (JAKARTA GLOBE, 12/2). ... Horse trainer GAI WATERHOUSE "is forming an equine army" for an all-out assault on the rich Magic Millions carnival, with glamor sprinters SWEET IDEA and DRIEFONTEIN "leading the charge" (DAILY TELEGRAPH, 12/2). ... The stadium announcer sacked after being accused of introducing cricketer MONTY PANESAR "in a mock Indian accent has denied that his comments were racist." In a statement, announcer DAVID NIXON said, "It comes as a complete surprise to me to be at the center of a controversy about racial slurring, and I absolutely refute any allegation that I feigned an Indian accent. 'There’s a change of bowler at the Traeger Avenue end... its Montyyy!’ That was it. I fail to see how anyone could interpret my introduction of Monty Panesar as racial slurring" (LONDON TIMES, 12/2). ... Former Spanish second division side Deportivo La Coruña player PACO ZAS has announced that "he is withdrawing his candidacy to become the club's president." Zas said, "We believe our candidacy, the first to be presented, helped open a path and called attention to a serious situation in need of a profound change" (EFE, 12/2). ... Australian cricketer FAWAD AHMED won the Australian Muslim Sportsperson of the Year award at the eighth annual Australian Muslim Achievement Awards. Ahmed beat Sydney Roosters National Rugby League player SONNY BILL WILLIAMS and Richmond Australian Football League player BACHAR HOULI (CA).
