Digest

Motor Racing

Seventh heaven for fans in Zhangye

It's lucky seven for Zhangye of Gansu province.

The city in China's northwest region will host the Zhangye Rural Commercial Bank Cup FIA Asia-Pacific Auto Rally for the seventh straight time this summer.

More than 140 drivers representing 40 teams will take part in the July 7-10 competition, which also serves as the China Auto Rally Championship. The total course, in the Ganzhou district of Zhangye, is 637.16 km and includes 230 km of special stages.

Ganzhou district has also signed a contract with Hunting Racing to build the Zhangye Hunting Racing International Racing Circuit and the Zhangye National Desert Sports Park International Racing Center.

Teen loses legs after horrific crash

British Formula 4 driver Billy Monger has had his lower legs amputated after a high-speed crash at the Donington Park circuit on Sunday, series organizers said on Wednesday. The 17-year-old, who smashed at speed into the back of another car that had halted on the track, was trapped in the wreckage for more than 90 minutes before being extricated and flown to hospital.

A crowd-funding site has been set up to raise funds for Monger's medical treatment and recovery, with Formula One drivers joining the motor-sport community in expressing support on Twitter.

Running

Chongli hosting extreme event

Chongli district of Zhangjiakou, Hebei province, a host site for the 2022 Winter Olympics, will stage the Columbia168 Ultra Trail Challenge Race on July 15-16.

The 168-km event is a joint effort by the Chongli district people's government and Beijing Sanfo Outdoor Sports Co. Ltd, sponsored by Columbia Sportswear. Chongli and Sanfo have also signed a strategic partnership to develop outdoor sports in the region.

Runners who complete the race will receive points from both the International Trail Running Association and the Ultra Trail du Mont Blanc.

Chongli will host most snow events during the 2022 Winter Olympics, co-hosted by Beijing and Zhangjiakou.

Baseball

Jeter, Bush hope to land Marlins

Derek Jeter and Jeb Bush are combining forces to purchase the Florida Marlins. The former New York Yankees star and ex-governor of the state have formed a business partnership, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The source confirmed the partnership to Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity because Jeter and Bush have not commented. They initially had competing interests in efforts to buy the MLB franchise.

The source said Quogue Capital investment fund founder Wayne Rothbaum also is interested in buying the Marlins.

Basketball

Fizdale fined for Memphis moan

Memphis coach David Fizdale, whose "take that" rant on the officiating in the Grizzlies' Monday playoff loss at San Antonio went viral, was fined $30,000 by the NBA on Wednesday.

Fizdale tore into officials after the Grizzlies' 96-82 loss to the Spurs, which left them 0-2 down in the best-of-seven Western Conference quarterfinal.

Fizdale called the officiating "unprofessional" and "unacceptable".

NBA rules prohibit public criticism of game officials.

China Daily-Agencies