Deadly ambush weighs on top Africa soccer event

LUANDA: Africa's biggest soccer tournament starts in Angola on Sunday, overshadowed by an ambush on the Togo team bus that killed three people and wounded seven, prompting Togo to pull its team out of the competition.

A video grab from Angolan TV shows players from Togo's national soccer squad comforting one another in Cabinda January 8, 2010, in this video grab obtained from Angolan TV January 9, 2010. Gunmen opened fire on a bus carrying Togo's national soccer squad to the top African tournament in Angola on Friday, killing the driver and wounding nine others, including two players, a Togo team official said. The bus had just entered the Angolan enclave of Cabinda, where separatists have waged a three-decade long war, when it came under heavy gunfire for several minutes, the official said.

The Angolan government has spent $1 billion building stadiums, roads and hotels for the competition, which brings together Africa's best national teams. The tournament, which lasts until Jan. 31, will be broadcast live round the world.

The bi-annual African Nations Cup is due to start with fireworks and champagne at a massive stadium in the capital Luanda, where the hosts play Mali in the opening match later on Sunday. But Friday's attack on the Togo team in the northern enclave of Cabinda, staged by a rebel group that the government said recently no longer existed, cast a shadow over an event supposed to show Angola was at peace after years of civil war.

The rebels of the Cabindan separatist group FLEC sprayed the Togolese bus with gunfire, killing the bus driver and wounding nine others. Two members of Togo's soccer delegation died on Saturday and one was undergoing surgery in South Africa.

A Togolese minister said the government was pulling the team out of the tournament because of "this dramatic situation". None of the other teams followed suit although some, including African champions Egypt, demanded tighter security.

Security analysts said the ambush showed how easily insurgents can grab world headlines with attacks on soft targets and embarrass countries by exposing lapses in security.

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Togolese officials named the dead men as media officer Stanislas Ocloo and assistant coach Amalete Abalo, and said reserve goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale had been evacuated to Johannesburg where he underwent surgery.

Cabinda, the scene of FLEC attacks even after Angola's 27-year civil war ended in 2002, provides half the oil output of Angola, which rivals Nigeria as Africa's biggest producer.

It was the second militant attack on a sports team in less than a year. Last March, six policemen and a driver were killed when gunmen attacked a bus carrying Sri Lanka's cricket team in Pakistan.

Friday's assault raised questions about security for the soccer World Cup taking place in South Africa in June, but organisers of that event said it was nonsensical to draw comparisons. South Africa is the first African nation to hold the world's biggest single-sport event.

Chief World Cup organiser Danny Jordaan said the attack would have no impact on the World Cup. "It is nonsensical for South Africa to be tainted with what happens in Angola, which is not even one of our neighbouring countries," he said.

Former Togo coach Otto Pfister disagreed. "This is a real blow for Africa. It will obviously be linked directly with the World Cup," he told German sports news agency SID.

Security analysts said outsiders involved in the World Cup are unlikely to ignore the Angolan attack and will want to review South Africa's security preparations.

South African President Jacob Zuma will attend Sunday's opening ceremony despite the attack, his spokesman said.

Cabinda, wedged between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Republic of Congo, was due to host seven matches.

Tiger Woods to take "indefinite" leave from professional golf

Tiger Woods reacts during the British Open Golf Championship at the Turnberry Golf Club in Scotland, in this July 16, 2009 file photo. Woods said on December 11 he would take an "indefinite break" from professional golf, acknowledging the disappointment and hurt his "infidelity" had caused his family.

WASHINGTON, Dec. 11 -- The scandal-tainted golf superstar Tiger Woods said on Friday that he will take an "indefinite" leave from professional golf to spend more time to save his family.

"I am deeply aware of the disappointment and hurt that my infidelity has caused to so many people, most of all my wife and children. I want to say again to everyone that I am profoundly sorry and that I ask forgiveness. It may not be possible to repair the damage I've done, but I want to do my best to try," Woods said in a statement posted on his website.

The golfer asked everyone, including his fans, for understanding and respect to his family's privacy so that he and his family have "the time, privacy, and safe haven" needed for personal healing.

"After much soul searching, I have decided to take an indefinite break from professional golf. I need to focus my attention on being a better husband, father, and person," he said.

Woods did not specify how long the planned break would be.

The golf superstar has been entangled in a number of infidelity scandals after a recent car accident.

Golfer Tiger Woods, his daughter Sam, his mother Kultida and his wife Elin Nordegren pose in front of a bronze statue bearing the likeness of Tiger with his late father Earl during its unveiling inside the Tiger Woods Learning Center in Anaheim, California in this January 21, 2008 file photo.

A man in a golf cart stands watch over the 155-foot yacht 'Privacy' owned by golfer Tiger Woods at its dock in the Old Port Cove Marina in North Palm Beach, Florida December 11, 2009.

Tiger Woods reacts during the HSBC Champions golf tournament in Shanghai in this November 5, 2009 file photo. Woods said on December 11 he would take an "indefinite break" from professional golf, acknowledging the disappointment and hurt his "infidelity" had caused his family.

Tiger Woods reacts to a missed birdie putt during the PGA Championship golf tournament in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in this August 11, 2007 file photo. Woods announced Friday on his website that he will be taking a hiatus from golf.

U.S. team member Tiger Woods watches his tee shot on the third hole during his singles match at the Presidents Cup golf tournament at Harding Park golf course in San Francisco, California October 11, 2009.
(Reuters )

Chinese National Games closes as host Shandong tops medal table

JINAN, East China, Oct. 28 -- The 11th Chinese National Games came to a successful close on Wednesday after 13 days of fierce competition with the host Shandong topping the medals table.

Chinese premier Wen Jiabao officially closed the Games amid a frugal ceremony held in the newly-built Olympic Sports Complex.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao attends the closing ceremony of the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, capital of east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 28, 2009.

The final overall medals table reads Shandong on 63 golds, followed by the Chinese Army on 49 and Jiangsu on 48.5.

The Games, billed as China's mini-Olympics, was a true sports extravaganza as five world records, along with 16 Asian records and39 national records were broken.

"The athletes put on a great show by creating a set of records and many hopefuls came of age at the Games," said Liu Peng, director of the State General Administration of Sports (SGAS) and president of the Games' organizing committee.

Athletes of different teams enter the stage before the closing ceremony of the 11th Chinese National Games at Jinan Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 28, 2009.

The weightlifters stole the limelight at the prestigious competition with seven strongwomen bettering ten world records in four divisions and two strongmen breaking two world records in two categories.

The swimmers also made splashes in the pool as one world record and 11 Asian records had been written by them.

China's Olympic champion Liu Zige once again made the headline, setting the new world record in the 200m butterfly final in 2:01.81,and knocking over two seconds off previous world best set by Australian Jessica Schipper at the Rome World Championships.

Photo taken on Oct. 28, 2009 shows the inner view of Jinan Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium before the closing ceremony of the 11th Chinese National Games in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province.

In the less competitive track and field, pin-up hurdler Liu Xiang produced an impressive comeback to win a third straight title at the Games.

Though Liu's winning result of 13.34 seconds was far off his former world record and personal best of 12.88, his second race after his shock withdrawal from the Beijing Olympics pushed the National Games to its climax.

Li Yanxi of Hebei jumped a distance of 17.59 meters, breaking triple jump Asian record of 17.35 and also refreshed the oldest Chinese track and field national record set in 1981.

Artists perfrom during the closing ceremony for the 11th Chinese National Games at the Jinan Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, on Oct. 28, 2009.

However, the biggest-ever National Games, which was participated by 10,991 athletes from 46 delegations, was marred by three doping scandals although the Chinese sports governing body has vowed a serious clampdown on doping cheats.

Xiao Tian, vice director of SGAS, called for better sportsmanship and fairer competition, yet acknowledged that to improve the sportsmanship and fight against doping were an "arduous" task.

Dancers perform prior to the closing ceremony for the 11th Chinese National Games at the Jinan Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, on Oct. 28, 2009.

The Games, with the theme of "Harmonious China and People's Games", featured 33 sports consisting of all 28 sports in summer Olympics, four winter sports and Wushu as well.

The National Games, which was inaugurated 50 years ago and usually held every four years, are the country's top national-level sports event.

The next National Games will be held in northeast China's Liaoning province.

Artists perform during the closing ceremony for the 11th Chinese National Games at the Jinan Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium in Jinan, east China's Shandong Province, on Oct. 28, 2009.
(Xinhua)

Venus, Safina lead parade of seeds

BEIJING, June 24 -- Five-time champion Venus Williams recovered from an early stumble in her opening match at Wimbledon Tuesday to beat Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland 6-3, 6-2.

Venus Williams of the United States returns the ball during the Ladies' Singles first round match against Stefanie Voegele of Switzerland in the 2009 Wimbledon Tennis Championships in Wimbledon of London, June 23, 2009. Venus Williams won 2-0.

It was Williams' first appearance on Center Court at the All England Club since the 2008 final, when she beat sister Serena for her second Wimbledon title in a row.

"I really enjoyed being out there," Venus said. "It's a special moment when you walk back as defending champion on that court."

Venus slipped five points into the match, one of several wobbly moments as she began her bid for a three-peat. She double-faulted in the opening game and had to erase two break points. She was passed the first two times she reached the net. She slipped and nearly fell a second time.

"It's grass," she said. "You're going to slip sometimes."

Williams found her footing, winning 14 consecutive points to take a 5-1 lead. She had another spurt in the second set after losing serve for 2-2, and swept the final four games.

Top-seeded Dinara Safina also moved into the second round, with a straight-sets victory over Lourdes Dominguez Lino.

Still seeking her first grand slam title, Safina won 7-5, 6-3.

Dinara Safina of Russia plays a shot against Lourdes Dominguez Lino of Spain during the Ladies' Singles first round match in the 2009 Wimbledon Tennis Championships in Wimbledon of London, June 23 2009. Dinara Safina won 2-0. (Xinhua/Wang Lili)
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It was the Russian's first match at a major tournament since losing the French Open final to compatriot Svetlana Kuznetsova this month. Safina is 0-3 in grand slam finals.

Sixth seeded Jelena Jankovic clawed her way back from 2-5 down in the second set to beat German Julia Goerges 6-4, 7-6 (0).

While the bubbly Serbian skipped back into the locker room, her namesake Jelena Dokic buried her head in a towel after her return to Wimbledon ended in a 6-3, 5-7, 2-6 defeat by Tatjana Malek of Germany.

Almost four weeks after Dokic left court in floods of tears, when her Roland Garros challenge ended with a back injury, the Serbia-born Australian suffered another blow at the grasscourt major.

A dizzy spell brought on by what she thought might be a virus, ruined her day and she had to have her blood pressure taken on court.

"I wasn't feeling great at the beginning of the second. And that's where things just started going downhill," said Dokic.

China's Li Na also advanced, the 19th seed easing past Galina Voskoboeva of Kazakhstan 7-6 (5), 6-0.

Source: Shanghai Daily

Hamilton sees tough year in 2009

BEIJING, Dec. 18 -- Lewis Hamilton believes cost-cutting changes will make it "very tough" for him to repeat as Formula One champion next year.

Governing body FIA and the F1 teams agreed to a series of measures for 2009 last Friday, which include longer-lasting engines, limits on expensive testing and cheaper, off-the-shelf engines for smaller teams.


McLaren's Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain and Ferrari's Felipe Massa (background L) of Brazil wave to the crowd before the Brazilian F1 Grand Prix in Sao Paulo Nov. 2, 2008.

"I don't think it will make it easier," Hamilton said on Tuesday. "With the new regulations it's going to make it very tough to win the championship again."

The sweeping changes come as automakers reel from the global financial crisis. Honda pulled out of F1 this month after Super Aguri quit in April. FIA said the first batch of changes for 2009 will help larger teams cut costs by about one-third over 2008.

"We have less testing obviously but I think we as a team are in a position to pull together and make a difference in some other way," Hamilton said. "But everyone's in the same boat."


Formula one driver Lewis Hamilton poses with the trophy during the 60th Bambi media awards ceremony in the southwestern German town of Offenburg Nov. 27, 2008.

Changes to be introduced after next season will be even more radical with races maybe shortened to save money and refueling banned, which could dramatically alter the spectacle for fans.

Hamilton's McLaren team boss Ron Dennis called it a "challenging period."

"It's amazing how many different things happen in a year but all we're thinking about is how we can continue in the sport and continue to put on a good show," Hamilton said.

Hamilton missed out on becoming the first rookie champion by one point last year, but rebounded to become the youngest F1 champion at 23 in November - by a single point.

Hamilton overtook Toyota's Timo Glock on the final bend at the season-ending Brazilian Grand Prix to finish fifth and secure the title after Ferrari's Felipe Massa had won his home race as he needed to.

Hamilton expects more of the same close racing next season despite the dramatic changes. "We don't know who's going to be quick, surely we're going to be at the front, with Ferrari maybe, BMW, but you never know. Maybe there's going to be a fourth team up there with us."

Hamilton added that becoming F1's first black champion "was hard" because of having "to break down the barrier and it was not easy but we got there, and I have been accepted very well."

Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies

AC Milan held to 2-2 draw by Wolfsburg

AC Milan's Marek Jankulovski (top) fights for the ball with Wolfsburg's Cristian Zaccardo during their UEFA Cup soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan Dec. 17, 2008.


AC Milan's Clarence Seedorf (R) fights for the ball with Wolfsburg's Ashkan Dejagah during their UEFA Cup soccer match at the San siro stadium in Milan Dec. 17, 2008.


AC Milan's Filippo Inzaghi (R) reacts after missing a scoring opportunity as Wolfsburg's goalkeeper Diego Benaglio holds the ball during their UEFA Cup soccer match at the San siro stadium in Milan Dec. 17, 2008.


Wolfsburg's Mahir Saglik celebrates after scoring a second goal against AC Milan during their UEFA Cup soccer match at the San Siro stadium in Milan Dec. 17, 2008.


AC Milan's Filippo Inzaghi (R) reacts after missing a scoring opportunity as Wolfsburg's goalkeeper Diego Benaglio holds the ball during their UEFA Cup soccer match at the San siro stadium in Milan Dec. 17, 2008.
Xinhua

Madrid magic as China gold rush continues

Zhang Hongtao of China in action en route to winning gold in the pommel horse.(Photo: Shanghai Daily)


BEIJING, Dec. 15 -- China's gymnasts are raking in the gold again.

He Kexin, Cheng Fei and Zhang Hongtao won titles at the World Cup Final, giving the Chinese gold medals in three of the five events contested in Madrid on Saturday. They might have added another, had they sent someone for the men's floor exercise.

He added a World Cup title to the Olympic gold she won on uneven bars, while Cheng won her second straight crown on vault. Zhang, who wasn't part of China's men's team at the Beijing Olympics, won the pommel horse.

Diego Hypolito of Brazil rebounded from his devastating finish in Beijing to win the men's floor title, and Ukraine's Oleksandr Vorobiov upgraded the bronze he won on still rings at the Olympics to a gold.

The U.S., winner of 10 medals in Beijing, did not send anyone to Madird.

Five more titles of women's floor, balance beam, men's vault, high bar and parallel bars were to be awarded yesterday.

China dominated the Beijing Olympics, winning the men's and women's team golds, the men's all-round and six of the 10 event titles. The Chinese finished with a total of 14 medals.

He, at the center of an age controversy, wasn't at her best in Madrid. She nearly fell after missing a handstand on the low bar, and took a step forward on her dismount. But she does one of the toughest routines in the world - her difficulty mark was more than a half-point ahead of anyone else - and that was enough to give her the gold. She finished with 16.250 while teammate Jiang Yuyuan was second with 15.7.

China could have made it three in a row, but Olympic bronze medalist Yang Yilin withdrew. Japan's Koko Tsurumi was third.

Cheng, a three-time world champion on vault, easily won her signature event. Though she had a slight hop forward on the landing of one of her vaults, the second was practically perfect and she finished with a 15.05. Switzerland's Ariella Kaeslin was second (14.912) and Aagje Vanwalleghem of Belgium (14.425) third, giving each country its first World Cup Final medal.

None of China's male gold medalists was in Madrid, but Zhang did a pretty good imitation.

He beat Krisztian Berki, the silver medalist on pommel horse at the 2007 world championships, as well as Olympic bronze medalist Louis Smith. Berki was second and Australia's Prashanth Sellathurai was third, while Smith dropped to fourth after struggling early in his routine.

Hypolito, the reigning world champion on floor, was distraught after falling on the landing of his final tumbling pass in Beijing, fighting tears as he sat in a chair. Not only had he cost himself the gold medal, he left without any Olympic medal. But all of that was forgotten on Saturday.

Hypolito landed that last pass perfectly and the rest of his routine was equally impressive, earning him a 16.125. That put him comfortably in front of Olympic all-round silver medalist Kohei Uchimura of Japan (15.9) and Israel's Alexander Shatilov (15.5).

Still rings was expected to be the highlight of the day, featuring Vorobiov, Athens Olympic champion Dimostenis Tampakos and two world champions, Jordan Jovtchev and Yuri van Gelder. It didn't disappoint, with the gymnasts putting on one muscle-busting routine after another.

Vorobiov had the highest difficulty of the group, and that gave him the edge over Jovtchev. Van Gelder finished third.

Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies

Yao, Kobe among early All-Star vote leaders

BEIJING, Dec. 12 -- Yao Ming, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant were among the leaders in the first balloting information for the 58th National Basketball Association All-Star Game released Thursday.

But it was Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, the reigning NBA Slam Dunk Contest champion, who garnered the most votes of any player in the first hint at ballots favorites for starting roles in the February 15 game at Phoenix.

Howard had 775,933 votes to lead his nearest Eastern Conference rival, Samuel Dalembert of Philadelphia, by more than 659,000 votes.

Chinese star Yao of the Houston Rockets leads Western Conference centers with 529,290 votes to 227,273 for Phoenix's Shaquille O'Neal.

Cleveland forward James, this year's All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, ranks second in the Eastern Conference overall with 643,786 votes, the most among forward.

Kevin Garnett, who sparked Boston to last season's NBA title and this year's best record in the NBA, was next in the East on 495,514 with China's Yi Jianlian of the New Jersey Nets next at 356,556.

NBA scoring leader Dwyane Wade of Miami, averaging 29.5 points a game, led East guards at 623,311 with Detroit's Allen Iverson next at 492,093.

Bryant, seeking an 11th NBA All-Star Game appearance, led the Western Conference with 719,252 votes. The Los Angeles Lakers guard was the only player in the West to out-pull Yao in voting.

New Orleans playmaker Chris Paul was next for West guards on 406,220 with Houston's Tracy McGrady on 332,222 followed by San Antonio's Manu Ginobili of Argentina at 166,981, Dallas' Jason Kidd on 162,286, France's Tony Parker of San Antonio at 161,638 and Canada's Steve Nash of Phoenix at 142,410.

San Antonio's Tim Duncan led West forwards with 442,403 with Phoenix's Amare Stoudamire next on 370,470 followed by Denver's Carmelo Anthony on 327,233, German star Dirk Nowitzki of Dallas on 327,233 and Spanish star Pau Gasol of the Lakers on 260,374.

Ramos kicks off Madrid reign with easy win

MADRID, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Juande Ramos began his time as Real Madrid coach with a straightforward 3-0 win at home to Zenit Saint Petersburg in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Ramos was named as the replacement for Bernd Schuster on Tuesday and had only worked with the Real Madrid team for one training session.


Real Madrid's coach Juande Ramos gives instructions to his players during their Champions League soccer match against Zenit Saint Petersburg in Madrid December 10, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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However, he could not have wished for easier rivals to ease him into his new job than the Russian side.

Although Zenit won the UEFA Cup last year and the European Supercup at the start of this season, the team has been very disappointing in the Champions League.

The Russians kicked off knowing they could not qualify for the last 16 in the Champions, but also knowing they would have to lose heavily to finish last in the group and miss out on a place in the next round of the UEFA Cup.

As a result they were well off the pace against a Real Madrid side that looked more motivated as the players looked to please their new coach. Nevertheless it took a mistake from Zenit keeper Vyacheslav Malafeev to allow Raul Gonzalez to score from close range.

Malafeev misjudged a cross from the Madrid left and palmed the ball straight into Raul's path for him to open the scoring.


Real Madrid's Raul Gonzalez (L) celebrates a goal against Zenit Saint Petersburg with his team mate Marcelo during their Champions League soccer match in Madrid December 10, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Knowing he will be missing left back Marcelo among others for Saturday's trip to play Barcelona in the CampNou stadium, Ramos made changes at half time, moving Michel Salgado to left back and asking central defender Christoph Metzelder to play on the right.

With the Russians not showing much inclination to break sweat on a cold Madrid night, the home team scored two more goals. ArjenRobben was allowed time and space to fire home with his left foot five minutes after the break to make it 2-0.

Seven minutes later Raul added his second of the night to roundoff what has to be a satisfactory debut for Ramos.

However, given the category of the opposition, it is safe to assure the new Madrid coach and his side will face a much stiffer test at the weekend.

Chelsea, Roma through into Champions League last 16

LONDON, Dec. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chelsea, Roma and Panathinaikos all won their final group games at home Tuesday to claim the remaining three spots in the Champions League last 16.


Bordeaux Fernando Cavenaghi jumps for the ball during their Champions League soccer match against AS Roma at the Olympic stadium in Rome Dec. 9, 2008. AS Roma won by 2-0. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Didier Drogba started off the bench to score the winner as last season's finalist Chelsea beat already-eliminated Cluj 2-1 to qualify as Group A runners-up behind Roma, who upset Bordeaux 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Matteo Brighi and Francesco Totti.

Panathinaikos won 1-0 against Anorthosis Famagusta in Group B to join qualifier Inter Milan, who had to settle for a second place after losing 2-1 at Werder Bremen.

The 13 other berths had been decided before Tuesday's matches with Barcelona and Sporting Lisbon advancing from Group C, and Liverpool and Atletico Madrid through from Group D.

First-placed Barcelona lost 3-2 to Shakhtar Donetsk at home while Sporting won 1-0 at Basel.

Five-time winners Liverpool won Group D with an impressive 3-1 victory at PSV Eindhoven, who finished bottom and missed out the UEFA Cup.

Atletico had to match Liverpool's result to finish top but could only manage a 0-0 draw away to Marseille.


Chelsea's Joe Cole (C) is tackled by CFR Cluj's Alvaro Pereira (L) and Cadu during their Champions League soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London December 9, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Chelsea, who needed a win to guarantee a place in the knockout stage, achieved their mission with anxious moments on a night of tension.

Although Cluj had been condemned to bottom place, they seemed likely to deny the hosts a victory when Yssouf Kone's superb header on 55 minutes cancelled a Salomon Kalou opener minutes before halftime.

Drogba paid Luiz Felipe Scolari back seven minutes after the Chelsea manager brought him on in place of Kalou.

With 19 minutes left, Joe Cole provided a neat pass that Drogba controlled expertly before beating Claro to score only his second goal of an injury-affected season.

Chelsea also completed a clean sweep of the English teams as holders Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool had already moved into the knockout stage which starts in February.

Roma had to wait until after the hour mark to break the deadlock when Brighi slotted in a low Simone Perrotta cross.

Totti ended Bordeaux's hope of progress 11 minutes from time, firing in from the edge of the box.

Giorgos Karagounis scored the only goal of the match against Cypriot rivals Anorthosis Famagusta in the 70th minute to give Panathinaikos a knockout stage berth for a first time in seven seasons.

Karagounis picked up a loose ball after a defensive blunder on the edge of the penalty box and fired in a shot that squirmed over the body of substitute keeper Zoltan Nagy.

The result also lifted Panathinaikos ahead of Inter, who face a potentially difficult last 16 draw.


Chelsea's Didier Drogba celebrates with Nicolas Anelka (L) and Michael Ballack (R) after scoring against CFR Cluj during their Champions League soccer match at Stamford Bridge in London December 9. 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Anorthosis' Nicos Katsavakis (bottom) tackles Panathinaikos' Vangelis Mantzios during their Champions League soccer match in Athens Dec. 9, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Hurdler Liu's foot surgery successful

China's star hurdler Liu Xiang arrives at Los Angeles International Airport in the United States to transfer flight to Houston on Dec. 3, 2008. Liu has undergone successful surgery for a foot injury that forced him to withdraw at the starting line during the Beijing Olympics. (Xinhua Photo)
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BEIJING, Dec. 6 -- Former world and Olympic champion hurdler Liu Xiang has undergone successful surgery for a foot injury that forced him to withdraw at the starting line during the Beijing Olympics.　

Dr. Tom Clanton said Friday that the 25-year-old Liu had four small pieces of bone removed from the Achilles' tendon in his right foot in a one-hour operation at the Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center in Houston.

Clanton, who operated on Houston Rockets center Yao Ming's injured foot earlier this year, says Liu will fully recover.

Liu, the 2004 Olympic champion and former world record holder for the 110-meter hurdles, developed bone spurs between the Achilles' tendon and ankle bone. Other treatments, including traditional Chinese medicine and deep massage, failed to help.


Liu Xiang (C), former 110m hurdle world and Olympic champion, and his parents wave to reporters before leaving for the United States for treatment, in Shanghai, east China, Dec. 3, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
Source: China Daily

Huntelaar: I'm at the best club in the world

MADRID, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- New Real Madrid signing Klaas-Jan Huntelaar said on Thursday that he was joining the best football club in the world.

The Dutch striker, who cost Real Madrid around 20 million euros (25.6 million U.S. dollars) from Ajax, was officially presented at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Thursday lunchtime.


Real Madrid's new soccer player Klaas Jan Huntelaar of the Netherlands holds up his t-shirt during his presentation ceremony at Santiago Bernabeu stadium in Madrid Dec. 4, 2008.



"I have come to the best football club in the world and I am going to try and score as many goals as possible," said Huntelaar.

Huntelaar is the sixth Dutch player in the Real Madrid squad and as a result, he doesn't foresee any problems settling into a new dressing room.

"I think it is going to be easy to integrate here. There are a lot of players from Holland and some of them (Wes Sneijder) played alongside me at Ajax," he explained.

The striker will cover for the injured Ruud Van Nistelrooy, who will miss the campaign with a knee problem. But Huntelaar admitted that whatever happened, he already had a ticket to join Real Madrid.

"I have spoken to a lot of people and they all have shown me how much the club wants me to be here. I was going to come here at the end of the season, but it has been brought forward because of injuries," he said.

Man. United beats Blackburn Rovers to reach League Cup semis

Manchester United's Nani (L) scores against Blackburn Rovers during their English League Cup soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, Dec. 3, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Blackburn Rovers' goalkeeper Paul Robinson (C) saves a header from Manchester United's Carlos Tevez (32) during their English League Cup soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, Dec. 3, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Manchester United's substitutes Paul Scholes (L) and Patrice Evra take to the pitch during their English League Cup soccer match against Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, Dec. 3, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Manchester United's Carlos Tevez (R) scores a penalty past Blackburn Rovers' goalkeeper Paul Robinson (L) during their English League Cup soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, Dec. 3, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Blackburn Rovers' Matt Derbyshire (L) scores past Manchester United's Ben Foster during their English League Cup soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, Dec. 3, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Blackburn Rovers' Benedict McCarthy (L) scores past Manchester United's Ben Foster during their English League Cup soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, Dec. 3, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Manchester United's Carlos Tevez (R) celebrates his goal against Blackburn Rovers with Evra during their English League Cup soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, Dec. 3, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Manchester United's Carlos Tevez celebrates his second goal against Blackburn Rovers during their English League Cup soccer match at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, Dec. 3, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Manchester United's manager Alex Ferguson (L) watches from the stands during their English League Cup soccer match against Blackburn Rovers at Old Trafford in Manchester, northern England, Dec. 3, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

Burnley beats Arsenal 2-0 to reach League Cup semifinals

Arsenal's Mark Randall (L) challenges Burnley's Chris Eagles during their English League Cup soccer match in Burnley, northern England Dec. 2, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


BEIJING, Dec. 3 -- Burnley followed its victory over Chelsea by beating Arsenal 2-0 to reach the League Cup semifinals Tuesday for the first time in 25 years.

Derby beat Stoke 1-0 to eliminate another English Premier League team, but Burnley's convincing win over Arsenal largely made up of its promising youth players was the bigger shock.


Burnley's Robbie Blake (C) challenges Arsenal's Gavin Hoyte during their English League Cup soccer match in Burnley, northern England Dec. 2, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


The northwest England team, which was last English champion in 1960 but was challenging for promotion to the Premier League, beat the Gunners through two goals by Kevin McDonald -- just three days after he scored his first for the club.

"All the cameras are here so they must've known there would be an upset here," Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen said. "Anything can happen in football, so with a good draw and a little bit of luck, who knows how far we can go."

McDonald gave Burnley a sixth-minute lead when he tapped in a rebound after Arsenal goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianksi fumbled a dangerous cross from the right by former Manchester United midfielder Chris Eagles.

Fabianksi also saved a header from Mike Duff and a bouncing half-volley by Robbie Blake before McDonald made it 2-0 in the 57th.

The midfielder, the youngest player in the Burnley team at 20 years old, bustled past 19-year-old midfielder Mark Randall in the area to win possession and put the ball past Fabianski with the outside of his right foot.

"Obviously the best goals I've scored so far," said McDonald, who joined from Dundee in Scotland in June.

McDonald went off injured in the 60th, but Arsenal was unable to respond and needed Fabianski to save an on-target header by Martin Paterson.

Arsenal's entire starting lineup has a combined 25 Premier League matches for the club, with 21 of those shared by Nicklas Bendtner and Mikael Silvestre. Kieran Gibbs, Paul Rodgers and Fran Merida have never even made a substitute appearance.

Bendtner put two good chances past the post, the second with just four minutes to go when Arsenal was desperate.

Burnley, which beat Chelsea in a penalty shootout in the last round, will be joined in the semifinals by Derby after Nathan Ellington hit an injury-time penalty kick at Britannia Ground.

The referee awarded the kick for a handball in the area and Ellington, who played in the Premier League for Wigan and West Bromwich Albion, hit the ball low down the middle past diving goalkeeper Steve Simonsen.

The other quarterfinals are played today, when four-time winner Tottenham continues its defense of the trophy at Watford, and Manchester United hosts Blackburn.

The draw for the semifinals will be made on Saturday.


Burnley's Ade Akinbiyi (L) challenges Arsenal's Mikael Silvestre during their English League Cup soccer match in Burnley, northern England Dec. 2, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Arsenal's coach Arsene Wenger gestures during their English League Cup soccer match against Burnley in Burnley, northern England Dec. 2, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Burnley's coach Owen Coyle gestures during their English League Cup soccer match against Arsenal in Burnley, northern England Dec. 2, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Source: Shanghai Daily/Agencies

Lance Armstrong pledge on drug tests

BEIJING, Dec. 2 -- Lance Armstrong has guaranteed the drug-testing program he arranged with America's top anti-doping expert will be in place by the time he rides in his first official race in January.

The seven-time Tour de France winner was to start training with his new team yesterday without having subjected himself to drug tests by Don Catlin, the expert he teamed with, and with no deal in place to post results of those tests online.


Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong of the U.S. smiles during a stop on the first day of training with his new team Astana in Tenerife, Spain's Canary Islands, Dec. 1, 2008. Armstrong came out of retirement to ride for Astana, which started its preseason training camp in Tenerife, in the Canary Islands. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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But in an interview on Sunday, Armstrong said the goal was not to have the program in place by this week, but by the time he rides in Australia in January - the first race of his comeback.

"It's a tough thing to organize, but we will make it happen," Armstrong said. "All the stuff we said we were going to do will happen."

When Armstrong announced his comeback earlier this year, he partnered with Catlin to set up a testing program. Catlin said he thought it was important to make those results available to the public.

Catlin said over the weekend that while Armstrong has been placed back in the testing pools at both the US Anti-Doping Agency and UCI, cycling's international body, that he has yet to test him and that an agreement to document Armstrong's results online is not in place.

Armstrong acknowledged he hadn't been tested by Catlin, but said he had been tested seven times since re-entering the anti-doping testing programs run by federations such as USADA and UCI.

Armstrong came out of retirement to ride for Astana, which was scheduled to begin its preseason camp this week at Tenerife, on the Canary Islands.

(Source: Shanghai Daily/Agenceis)


Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong of the U.S. (L) rides during the first day of training with his new Astana cycling team in Tenerife, Spain's Canary Islands Dec. 1, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong of the U.S. leaves his hotel and prepares to get on his bike for the first day of training with his new team Astana in Tenerife, Spain's Canary Islands, Dec. 1, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Seven-time Tour de France champion Lance Armstrong of the U.S. (2nd R) rides during the first day of training with his new Astana cycling team in Tenerife, Spain's Canary Islands, Dec. 1, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)