London 2012 Olympics: Murdoch in muddle over London chief

RUPERT Murdoch had to tweet an apology after apparently getting confused about just who is in charge of the Games. Praising all things 2012, Murdoch wrote: “London in best shape ever. All overboard about the Olympics, brilliantly organized by Zeb Coe and Boris Johnson.” Who is Zeb, the world’s twitterati collectively wondered. Until Murdoch corrected himself, tweeting: “Sorry, it’s Sebastian Coe, not Zeb!”

COLLECTING Olympic pins has become a sport in itself for many competitors. The pin badges – which often feature the flags of competing nations next to the Olympic rings, or the names of specific athletes – are being exchanged across the Olympic Village as sports stars bid to outdo each other by nabbing the most, and the best. Britain’s tennis hope Laura Robson has achieved her pin badge dream – courtesy of her hero Roger Federer. Andy Murray’s mother Judy tweeted: “Laura Robson has perfected the art of ‘pinning’. She just got Fed’s personal Olympic pin complete with red velvet bag!”

BRITAIN’S Nicola Adams – once an extra in TV soaps Emmerdale and Coronation Street – will take a “good luck” message from Usain Bolt into her bid for gold in the women’s boxing. Flyweight Adams, who launches her medals assault on Monday, ran into the fastest sprinter in history in the Olympic Village. She said: “I was on my way to the dining hall and he was behind me having photos. He’s very tall, I asked for a picture and he was happy to talk, he’s a friendly guy. I was over the moon I had a photo with him and he wished me luck with the boxing.”

AN AUSTRALIAN newspaper has come up with a novel way of making it clear which Korea is which in the medals table – but it’s unlikely to impress leaders in Pyongyang. The Metro of Brisbane has listed the South as “Nice Korea” and the North as “Naughty Korea”. While they may be happy in the belief their prank may never be noticed by the North Koreans, a photo of the table has spread like wildfire worldwide on Twitter.

STAYING with the Aussies, archer Taylor Worth could not resist a little sledging after his first-round win over Alan Wills at Lord’s. Cricket fan Worth was pitted against Cumbrian Wills in the last 64, yet unlike the last two Ashes series between the cricketers, Australia came out on top. Worth said: “Not to be rude, but it’s been a while since Australia have won here. Luckily, I just bowled Wills out!”