The Star Online: Sports

Police expose Europe’s biggest match-fixing syndicate

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:55:37 +0800

BOCHUM: A match-fixing ring with more than 200 suspected members fixed or tried to fix around 200 matches across Europe, including three in the Champions League, in what UEFA called the biggest betting scandal in Europe.

Sabri’s golden goal puts Malaysia in the final

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:02:38 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: Sabri Mohamed Rosli was the toast for Malaysia when he scored a golden goal to give the national team a 3-2 win over South Korea and a place in the final of the Under-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament in Myanmar yesterday.

Chance for Malaysians to catch legendary EPL stars

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:00:35 +0800

MALAYSIAN football fans may be among the biggest supporters of the EPL, but many rarely get a chance to watch their heroes in the flesh.

Doubles ace leads fight to overcome the Koreans

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:31:19 +0800

PETALING JAYA: National men’s doubles ace Koo Kien Keat is not all flash. He’s one helluva fighter as well.

No repeat of heroics as Mew Choo succumbs to Shixian

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:36:34 +0800

PETALING JAYA: A stirring late fightback was not good enough to see Wong Mew Choo through to the semi-final of the China Open in Shanghai yesterday.

Thai teen terror Ratchanok ends Malaysian women’s singles hope

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:10:00 +0800

PETALING JAYA: The youngest world junior champion Ratchanok Intanon of Thailand continued to put Malaysia’s women’s singles back-up shuttlers to shame when she continued her march in the Malaysia International Challenge in Ipoh yesterday.

Erratic Nicol still too good for Hawkes

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:04:14 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: Nicol David played an erratic game but still managed to get the better of 11th seed Jaclyn Hawkes of New Zealand in the second round of the Qatar Classic in Doha yesterday.

German Bergemann prevents a one-two Malaysian keirin finish

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:44:28 +0800

PETALING JAYA: German cyclist Carsten Bergemann spoiled what could have turned out to be an historic one-two finish for Malaysia in the keirin final of the Track World Cup at the Hisense Arena in Melbourne last night.

Table tennis teams move up one rung

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:36:33 +0800

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s men and women’s teams moved one rung up in their Asian rankings after completing their challenges in the team competition of the Asian Table Tennis Championships in Lucknow, India, on Wednesday.

Friends and fans pray for Santokh’s recovery

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:54:45 +0800

PETALING JAYA: Former international footballer Santokh Singh is in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the Kuala Lumpur General Hospital after lapsing into a coma on Tuesday.

Siti and Zulmazran could have done better, says coach Holloway

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 08:03:10 +0800

PETALING JAYA: It could have been better. That’s the conclusion made by national coach Holloway Cheah on the performances of Zulmazran Zulkifli and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman in the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup, which ended in Malacca on Thursday.

Jin Keat’s absence heaps pressure on Chee Sheng

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:59:30 +0800

GEORGE TOWN: Karate exponent Tan Chee Sheng admits he has big shoes to fill when he makes his debut in the men’s individual kata event at the Laos SEA Games next month.

Archers’ poor form in Bali gives coach Lee the blues

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:36:33 +0800

PETALING JAYA: The tone of disappointment in the voice of national archery coach Lee Jae-hyung said it all yesterday.

More world records expected in Singapore

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:38:10 +0800

SINGAPORE: The final leg of the shortcourse swimming World Cup gets under way in Singapore today with expectations high that world records will fall.

F1 champion takes a pay cut to experience a new challenge with McLaren

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:45:54 +0800

LONDON: Formula One champion Jenson Button admits he took a pay cut to join last year’s winner Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, but adds he left Brawn for a new challenge.

Sprinters set the standard, gay and Richards bag Owens awards

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:18:45 +0800

INDIANAPOLIS: Tyson Gay and Sanya Richards were named the 2009 Jesse Owens Award recipients on Thursday, the second time that each has earned the USA Track and Field honour.

IAAF: We have yet to resolve Semenya case

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:42:25 +0800

MONTE CARLO: The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) are still seeking a resolution to South African runner Caster Semenya’s gender case, spokesman Nick Davies said yesterday.

Ochoa seizes the lead in season-ending Tour Championship

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:41:08 +0800

HOUSTON: Lorena Ochoa, battling Shin Ji-yai for LPGA Player of the Year honours, fired a first-round 66 on Thursday to hold a one-shot lead in the LPGA’s season-ending Tour Championship.

Westwood ahead as McIlroy suffers putting errors on back nine

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:41:53 +0800

DUBAI: Lee Westwood took advantage of a couple of putting errors by money-list rival Rory McIlroy to grab a two-shot lead after the second round of the season-ending Dubai World Championship yesterday.

England’s troubles give All Blacks a pause

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:40:13 +0800

LONDON: England’s problems have given New Zealand cause to be wary ahead of their rugby Test at Twickenham today.

Rock star welcome for Pacquiao in Manila

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:46:43 +0800

MANILA: The Philippines rolled out the red carpet in a rock star reception yesterday for pound-for-pound king and newly crowned World Boxing Organisation welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao.

Tendulkar leads India to a draw

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:43:47 +0800

AHMEDABAD (India): Sachin Tendulkar celebrated his 20th year in test cricket with a patient unbeaten century yesterday and guided India to a draw against Sri Lanka in the first Test.

Spain replace Brazil as the world No. 1

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:50:01 +0800

BERNE: Spain climbed to the top of the FIFA world rankings yesterday, displacing Brazil who had led since July.

Les Bleus coach feels no need to apologise for ‘ref error’

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:48:12 +0800

PARIS: France coach Raymond Domenech admits his side qualified for next year’s World Cup thanks to a refereeing error but dismissed claims of cheating and does not feel compelled to apologise.

Replay will be the fairest solution, says Henry

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:48:47 +0800

LONDON: Thierry Henry said a World Cup qualifying replay between France and Ireland would be “the fairest solution” to the handball controversy surrounding the match.

Wenger believes Arsenal have sufficient cover in the squad

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:55:05 +0800

SUNDERLAND: Arsene Wenger has shrugged off claims that the loss of Robin van Persie will fundamentally undermine Arsenal’s chances of closing the gap on Premier League leaders Chelsea.

Scholes urges his United boss to shelve retirement thoughts

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:56:07 +0800

MANCHESTER: Paul Scholes has urged Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson to shelve any thoughts of retirement and continue in the job for as long as he can.

Fergie backs calls for video after Henry handball row

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:56:55 +0800

MANCHESTER: Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson admits he would like to see video technology used to clear up controversial decisions — but cannot see the sport’s governing bodies adopting any new schemes in the near future.

Injury-hit Chelsea happy to face toothless Wolves

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 07:00:19 +0800

LONDON: The international break may not have been kind to Chelsea but Carlo Ancelotti could hardly have wished for a better fixture than the visit of Wolves to ease his injury-weakened side back into league action.

Inter, Juve try to forget looming title showdown

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:53:34 +0800

ROME: Inter Milan and Juventus, the top two teams in Serie A, are desperately trying to avoid talking up their looming table-topping clash.

Casillas wants Real team-mates to concentrate on Racing

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:52:56 +0800

MADRID: Fresh from winning his 100th Spain cap, goalkeeper Iker Casillas returns to club duty with Real Madrid insisting they mustn’t start thinking about the Clasico against Barcelona in 10 days’ time.

Hanover ready for Schalke after Enke tragedy

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:54:33 +0800

BERLIN: Hanover 96 return to German League action today having bid farewell to Robert Enke who committed suicide last week, but with memories of their tragic goalkeeper still fresh in their minds.

Ibra blow to Barca

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:54:04 +0800

MADRID: Barcelona’s Swedish international striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has been ruled out of today’s clash with Athletic Bilbao and could also miss Tuesday’s crucial Champions League tie against Inter Milan.

Big payday for Domenech

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:52:24 +0800

PARIS: France coach Raymond Domenech is almost 862,000 richer after leading Les Bleus to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, according to France Football yesterday.

Results Worldwide

Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:45:19 +0800

Results on Basketball and Golf.

FIFA: No replay for France-Ireland WCup qualifier

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:20:19 +0800

ZURICH (AP) - FIFA has ruled out the possibility of replaying the France-Ireland World Cup qualifier.

Button takes pay cut to join McLaren

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:06:48 +0800

LONDON (AP): Formula One champion Jenson Button admits he took a pay cut to join last year's winner Lewis Hamilton at McLaren, but adds he left Brawn for a new challenge.

Promoter Bob Arum wants Pacquiao-Mayweather fight

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:04:46 +0800

NEW YORK (AP): Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is ready to begin negotiations for a megafight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Irate Irish cry foul after ref hands win to France

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:02:43 +0800

DUBLIN (AP): Football-mad Ireland is fighting mad - and demanding justice for a disputed goal that had fans here crying "Oui were robbed."

Ochoa takes first-round lead at Tour Championship

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:00:45 +0800

RICHMOND, Texas (AP): Lorena Ochoa shot a 66 and has a 1-shot lead over Reilley Rankin after the first round of the U.S. LPGA's season-ending Tour Championship.

SEA Games Golf Club an uncharted ground for Malaysians

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

MALAYSIAN golfers will tread on unfamiliar ground when they compete at the newly-built SEA Games Golf Club in Vientiane.

Coach unperturbed by jaded form of shooters

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

PETALING JAYA: None of the SEA Games-bound shooters broke national records in the national championships in Subang last week.

Iszaimi hopes to extend hot streak in Vientiane

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

YOUNG golfer Mohamad Iszaimi Ismail has been riding a hot putter for the last three months and will want to carry his form to the Laos SEA Games.

Archers fail to find target in Bali

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s campaign in the individual competition of the Asian archery championships ended when none of the SEA Games-bound representatives made it to the semi-finals in Bali yesterday.

Mew Choo scalps world No. 1 Yihan in second round

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:09:55 +0800

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Wong Mew Choo stamped her class once again in China after two years when she dumped world No. 1 and top seed Wang Yihan in the second round of an Open dubbed as one of the toughest tournaments on the world circuit.

Indonesian exit opens door to Fairuzizuan-Zakry

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

PETALING JAYA: Mohd Zakry Abdul Latif-Mohd Fairuzizuan Mohd Tazari may get to compete in the Super Series Masters Finals after all following Indonesia’s decision to withdraw all their national players from the event next month.

Kien Keat-Pei Tty’s mission hits a snag

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s Koo Kien Keat and Wong Pei Tty failed to get a timely boost ahead of the Laos SEA Games when their mission to rebuild their partnership in the mixed doubles ended with a second-round defeat at the China Open in Shanghai yesterday.

Nicol strolls past Wee Wern into second round

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: Defending champion Nicol David was not in top form against team-mate and qualifier Low Wee Wern in the first round of the Qatar Classic in Doha yesterday but still won the match in straight sets.

Yong-kyu prevents a Canadian World Cup sweep

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

MALACCA: South Korea’s Choi Yong-kyu prevented Canada from winning both the men’s and women’s titles in the Qubica AMF Bowling World Cup at the Malacca International Bowling Centre yesterday.

Siti finishes third while Zul ends up in sixth place

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:35:24 +0800

MALACCA: A World Cup title remains elusive for Malaysia as Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman and Zulmazran Zulkifli failed in their attempts to strike it right in the 45th edition of the championships at the Malacca International Bowling Centre yesterday.

Faisal given the job of leading the attack

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:35:15 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: National forward Faisal Saari will shoulder a heavy responsibility in the Under-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament semi-finals match against South Korea in Myanmar today.

Adiq defies the odds in points race event

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:34:39 +0800

PETALING JAYA: Young cyclist Adiq Husainie Othman, a late inclusion for the endurance programme, carved his own piece of history as the second leg of the Track World Cup got underway at the Hisense Arena in Melbourne yesterday.

Federer faces tough opponents to secure top spot

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:28:45 +0800

LONDON: Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal will step on board the riverboat to the ATP World Tour Finals on Sunday with the world number one ranking in their sights.

Wickmayer, Malisse appeal against doping bans

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

LONDON: Belgian tennis players Yanina Wickmayer and Xavier Malisse, who both fell foul of anti-doping regulations, appealed against their one-year bans to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday.

Semenya to keep medal despite gender probe

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

JOHANNESBURG: Caster Semenya will keep her world gold 800m medal and a probe into her gender will not be made public, the South African sports ministry said yesterday.

Lee Westwood holds advantage over McIlroy in Euro money chase

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

DUBAI: Lee Westwood’s six-under 66 at the season-ending Dubai World Championship gave him a first-round advantage over money-list rival Rory McIlroy yesterday.

It’s down to the wire as Jiyai, Ochoa chase Player of the Year award

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

HOUSTON (Texas): Shin Jiyai and Lorena Ochoa will take their duel for LPGA Player of the Year honours down to the wire this week at the LPGA Tour Champion-ship.

Researchers: Pistorius gets unfair boost from his ‘blades’

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

LONDON: The prosthetic legs of double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius give the South African a 10-second advantage over a 400m race, according to a new study by researchers from two American universities.

South African Semenya’s agony set to continue

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

PARIS: Caster Semenya, the world champion at the centre of an international gender storm, faces another delay over her future after it was revealed on Wednesday that medical testing is still not complete.

Gambhir leads India fightback, Sri Lanka on top

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

AHMEDABAD: Opener Gautam Gambhir led India’s fightback to save the first Test after a world record sixth-wicket partnership of 351 helped Sri Lanka take control of the game yesterday.

Midfielder back to haunt Rafa as Man City loom

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

LONDON: Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez will get a close-up of the missing piece of his jigsaw puzzle tomorrow when Gareth Barry runs out for Manchester City at Anfield for a match with huge implications for both clubs.

Eduardo to hang around Emirates a little longer

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

LONDON: Croatia striker Eduardo has signed a new “long-term” contract with Arsenal after making a successful comeback from a horrific injury which sidelined him for almost a year, the club announced.

Japan snubbed for Asia’s top team award

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

SYDNEY: Two Japan players have been nominated for this year’s Asian Player of the Year award after their national side were surprisingly overlooked for the final nominations for the team of the year award.

Spain swat Austria with a David Villa double

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:31:19 +0800

PARIS: Spain underscored their status as World Cup favourites on Wednesday by swatting Austria 5-1 away in an international friendly encounter with David Villa twice on target.

Dane to pay for interrupting qualifier

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

COPENHAGEN: A court has ordered a Danish man to pay 900,000 kroner (US$180,100) in compensation for interrupting a European Championship qualifier between Denmark and Sweden.

Striker collapses and dies

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:35:48 +0800

SYDNEY: Striker Salem Saad of United Arab Emirates club side Al Nasr has died after suffering a massive heart attack at training, the club’s website (www.alnasr.com) reported yesterday.

Costa Rica stalled by touch-line fracas, says coach

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

MONTEVIDEO: Costa Rica coach Rene Simoes questioned the motives of a Uruguayan camera crew whose touch-line fracas with his bench stole the South American team’s momentum during their World Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

World Cup line-up decided as last six spots taken

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:32:23 +0800

LONDON: The final line-up of teams for next year’s World Cup in South Africa was settled on Wednesday after six drama-charged playoffs on three different continents.

Slovenian Premier turns shoeshine boy

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

MARIBOR: Slovenian Prime Minister Borut Pahor said he had made good on a promise to clean the team’s boots after Wednesday’s victory over Russia earned them a place at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Slovenia living a Hollywood dream after beating Russia

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

MARIBOR (Slovenia): Slovenia rejoiced on Wednesday after beating Russia in their European World Cup playoff to clinch a spot in the Finals for the second time.

Win over Egypt ‘justice’ for Algeria, say players

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

KHARTOUM: Algeria’s 1-0 victory over Egypt on Wednesday which secured a place at next year’s World Cup for the first time in 24 years was “justice” after violence marred their previous clash, jubilant players said.

Rehhagel thanks the gods for W-Cup ticket

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

DONETSK (Ukraine): Greece coach Otto Rehhagel thanked the gods after their 1-0 win in Ukraine on Wednesday sent them through to next year’s World Cup.

Queiroz relieved as Portugal make the cut

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

ZENICA (Bosnia): Portugal manager Carlos Queiroz could afford to breathe a sigh of relief after his team completed a remarkable World Cup recovery by overcoming Bosnia on Wednesday to reach next year’s Finals.

Angry Keane blasts FIFA over seedings for World Cup playoff draw

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

SAINT-DENIS: Ireland captain Robbie Keane has blasted football’s governing body for using seedings in the World Cup playoff draw, and claims FIFA president Sepp Blatter will be delighted France qualified.

Henry admits handling the ball in lead-up to equaliser

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:33:55 +0800

PARIS: France captain Thierry Henry admitted he had handled the ball in the build-up to a controversial goal that sent France to the World Cup at the expense of Ireland on Wednesday.

Irish FA ask FIFA for replay

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

DUBLIN: The Football Association of Ireland yesterday called on soccer’s world governing body FIFA to order a replay of the controversial World Cup playoff against France.

Football results

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

Results worldwide

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:13:12 +0800

Henry admits using his hand to qualify France

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:20:35 +0800

SAINT-DENIS (France): France striker Thierry Henry admits he intentionally handled the ball to set up William Gallas’ equalising goal, sending France to the World Cup at Ireland’s expense after an intense 1-1 draw on Wednesday.

West Ham to sell Katy Perry-inspired underwear

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:16:26 +0800

LONDON: West Ham has commissioned a limited-edition range of women’s underwear to sell in its shops after singer Katy Perry wore a basque made out of three of its shirts at this month’s MTV Europe Music Awards.

Dane to pay US$180,000 for interrupting Euro 2008 qualifier

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:12:13 +0800

COPENHAGEN: A court has ordered a Danish man to pay 900,000 kroner (US$180,100) in compensation for interrupting a European Championship qualifier between Denmark and Sweden.

Endo nominated for Asian player of the year award

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 14:41:25 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) - Yasuhito Endo has been shortlisted again for the Asian Football Confederation's Player of the Year award.

Uruguay grabs final World Cup berth

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 13:29:43 +0800

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) - Uruguay claimed the final spot in next year's 32-team World Cup in South Africa by drawing with Costa Rica 1-1 to take the two-leg playoff 2-1 on aggregate on Wednesday.

France edges Ireland to reach World Cup

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:53:54 +0800

SAINT-DENIS, France (AP): France required a contentious equalizing goal in extra time in a 1-1 draw Wednesday to beat Ireland 2-1 on aggregate and qualify for the World Cup.

Portugal reaches World Cup by beating Bosnia 1-0

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:30:17 +0800

ZENICA, Bosnia-Herzegovina (AP) - Portugal qualified for its third straight World Cup on Wednesday, beating Bosnia 1-0 after Raul Meireles' second-half goal in the second leg.

Algeria beats Egypt 1-0 to reach 2010 World Cup

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:02:49 +0800

KHARTOUM, Sudan (AP) - Algeria qualified for its first World Cup in 24 years with a 1-0 win over Egypt on Wednesday, triggering wild celebrations in Algiers.

Greece beats Ukraine 1-0 to qualify for World Cup

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:33:52 +0800

DONETSK, Ukraine (AP): Greece advanced to its first World Cup in 16 years on Wednesday, beating Ukraine 1-0 after Dimitrios Salpigidis' first-half goal in the second leg.

Slovenia beats Russia to reach World Cup

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:54:36 +0800

MARIBOR, Slovenia (AP): A first-half goal from Zlatko Dedic earned Slovenia a place at next year's World Cup finals in South Africa, eliminating Russia on the away goals rule.

Asian Cup: Thailand fall to Singapore at home

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:37:59 +0800

BANGKOK: Bryan Robson was given a wake-up call yesterday when Singapore upset Thailand 1-0 in a crucial qualifier for the 2011 Asian Cup.

Beckham has silenced critics, says coach Arena

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:43:03 +0800

MIAMI: David Beckham, booed on his return to the United States, has silenced his critics by helping the LA Galaxy to the MLS Cup final, his coach Bruce Arena said on Tuesday.

Inconsistent Chong Wei shown early exit in China

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:37:59 +0800

PETALING JAYA: For the third time this year, Lee Chong Wei crashed out in early rounds after enjoying a high in a previous tournament.

Real and Barcelona in tug-of-war to sign Gunner Fabregas

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:37:59 +0800

MADRID: Real Madrid and European champions Barcelona will battle to sign Arsenal’s Spanish captain Cesc Fabregas at the end of the season, sports daily AS reported Tuesday.

Brazil round off the year with victory over Oman

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:47:15 +0800

MUSCAT: Brazil rounded off a very good pre-World Cup year with a lacklustre 2-0 win over Oman in a friendly on Tuesday to take their tally to 14 victories in 17 matches.

Craig blames players for uncle’s sacking

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:45:15 +0800

GLASGOW: Former Scotland striker Craig Burley said some of the country’s players were “too thick” to understand George Burley’s methods after his uncle was sacked as manager of the national team.

Warner backs Australia’s World Cup bid

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:37:59 +0800

SYDNEY: Influential FIFA heavyweight Jack Warner has thrown his support behind Australia hosting the 2018 or 2022 World Cup, saying the country has an “excellent chance”.

Kuyt hits out at Italy over tackle on Van Persie

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:48:25 +0800

LONDON: Dutch striker Dirk Kuyt said he was “disappointed” by the lack of respect Italy showed during last weekend’s friendly which saw fellow Holland forward Robin van Persie sustain an injury.

Guinea team dissolved after World Cup flop

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:37:59 +0800

DAKAR: The Guinea football team were dissolved on Tuesday by the Minister of Sports after failing to qualify for either the 2010 World Cup Finals or the African Nations Cup.

Matias refuses to play after threats by thugs

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:37:59 +0800

BUENOS AIRES: Tigre midfielder Matias Gimenez, threatened by his own team’s hardcore fans who accuse him of not trying hard enough, would not play for the club any longer, he said on Tuesday.

All-clear for Ronaldo

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:37:59 +0800

MADRID: Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo is to resume group training tomorrow, several weeks after suffering an ankle injury, the club said.

Atletico coach down with H1N1

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:37:59 +0800

MADRID: Atletico Madrid coach Quique Sanchez Flores has gone down with the H1N1 swine flu virus, the Spanish club announced on Tuesday.

Malaysia’s Asian Cup hopes in tatters after third defeat

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:51:07 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia are as good as out of the race to the Finals of the 2011 Asian Cup.

14 media teams to compete in football tourney

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 14 teams have confirmed participation in the second National Sports Council-Media five-a-side football championships, which will be held at the NSC artificial pitch in Bukit Jalil on Sunday.

South Africa’s goal drought continues against Jamaica

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

BLOEMFONTEIN (South Africa): Goal-shy 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa flopped again on Tuesday when held 0-0 by Jamaica in a lacklustre friendly.

Football Results Worldwide

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

Koo-Tan advance despite unsatisfactory playing condition

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

PETALING JAYA: The playing condition was not to the liking of Koo Kien Keat-Tan Boon Heong but they managed to clear the first round hurdle in the China Open in Shanghai yesterday.

Another major scalp for Jorgensen

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:00:14 +0800

SHANGHAI: Denmark’s rising star Jan O Jorgensen continues to make the world of badminton sit up and take notice of him.

American kegler Williams still fired up at 50

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

AMERICAN pro bowler Walter Ray Williams Jr will only think of retiring if he does not make the top 40 in the PBA Tour when it ends in April.

Zulmazran, Siti stay alive

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:58:07 +0800

MALAYSIA’s Zulmazran Zulkifli and Siti Safiyah Amirah Abdul Rahman made it through to the last eight of the QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup at the Malacca International Bowling Centre last night and hopes are high on them to deliver the first title for the country in the series in the Finals today.

45th edition of event rated one of the best ever organised

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

THE 45th edition of the bowling World Cup at the Malacca International Bowling Centre (MIBC) has been recognised as one of the best-ever events to be organised in the series.

Azizul inspired to be back at venue of his first major success

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:24:24 +0800

PETALING JAYA: A return to the venue of his first major breakthrough win will provide the inspiration for cyclist Azizul Hasni Awang to bring cheers for Malaysia in the Melbourne leg of the Track World Cup starting today.

Zaiton will keep serving the sports fraternity

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:22:56 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: Zaiton Othman used to hog the limelight in athletics in the good old days.

Malaysia in semis of U-18 Asia Cup despite loss to Pakistan

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia qualified for the semi-finals of the Under-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament even though they lost 3-4 to Pakistan in a Group A match in Myanmar yesterday.

Trio get last chance to clear hurdle

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:53:42 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: Rayzam Shah Wan Sofian and two other fellow 110m hurdlers have been given another chance to qualify for the Laos SEA Games in the Singapore Open next week.

Shakirin says gold medal out of reach for paddlers

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:55:21 +0800

PETALING JAYA: Two-time national champion Mohd Shakirin Ibrahim simply envies the might of Singapore’s naturalised table tennis players from China.

Hup Wei looks forward to soar again after ATF flop

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

KUALA LUMPUR: High jumper Lee Hup Wei is under pressure to defend his gold medal in the Laos SEA Games after failing to retain the Asian Track and Field (ATF) championship title in Guangzhou last week.

Kazakhstan beat Taiwan to make Hopman Cup debut

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

PERTH: Kazakhstan will make their Hopman Cup debut next year, after winning the Asian Hopman Cup.

Roddick out of World Tour Finals, Soderling fills slot

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:42:19 +0800

LONDON: Sweden’s Robin Soderling will replace Andy Roddick in the ATP World Tour Finals after the American pulled out with a knee injury on Tuesday.

Motor sport great Surtees drives through Channel Tunnel

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:38:16 +0800

COQUELLES (France): John Surtees had to keep the speed down for his latest challenge as he became the first person to drive a sports car through the Channel Tunnel on Tuesday.

Pacman hits out at romantic rumours

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:36:19 +0800

MANILA: Manny Pacquiao yesterday brushed off rumours his marriage was on the rocks amid reports the Philippine boxing superstar flew a starlet to Las Vegas to watch him win a record seventh world title.

Shiv and Thaworn have a point to prove in Cambodia

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

SIEM REAP (Cambodia): India’s Shiv Kapur is hoping to maintain a personal milestone by retaining his Asian Tour card with a strong showing at the Johnnie Walker Cambodian Open today.

Westwood confident of overtaking McIlroy in money list

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:39:15 +0800

DUBAI: Lee Westwood must banish the memory of one of his worst displays of the year when he goes in search of the European order of merit title at this week’s season-ending Dubai World Championship.

Bogey fears cost players big bucks, say professors

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

CHICAGO: Even the greatest golfers, including Tiger Woods, systematically miss the opportunity to score a birdie out of fear of making a bogey, a study by two University of Pennsylvania professors has shown.

Boks confident of bouncing back despite their third loss

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:41:18 +0800

LONDON: South Africa assistant coach Dick Muir lamented his side’s failure to hold onto a lead after the world champions were beaten for a third successive time on their European tour, but expressed confidence they will redeem themselves against Italy on Saturday.

Ex-Ferrari driver Raikkonen to take at least a year’s break

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

HELSINKI: Kimi Raikkonen will take a year out of Formula One after failing to reach a deal with McLaren for next season, the 2007 world champion’s manager was quoted as saying yesterday.

Formula One champ Button joins Hamilton at McLaren

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

LONDON: World champion Jenson Button will drive for McLaren alongside Lewis Hamilton in an all-British Formula One dream team next year.

Bahrain’s Ramzi stripped of 1,500m gold for doping

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

MANAMA: Bahrain’s Rashid Ramzi has been stripped of his Beijing Games 1,500m gold medal for doping, Bahrain’s Olympic Committee said yesterday.

Rebellin to be stripped of Olympic silver medal

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

PARIS: Veteran Italian cyclist Davide Rebellin who tested positive for the new generation of EPO (CERA) at the 2008 Olympic Games is to be stripped of his road race silver medal the sport’s governing body the Inter-national Cycling Union (UCI) announced on Tuesday.

Aussie loses appeal against jail sentence

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 07:38:00 +0800

SYDNEY: Former Australian mountain bike champion Chris Jongewaard has lost his appeal against a two-year jail sentence over a hit-and-run driving accident, local media reported yesterday.

Federer drawn into same group as Del Potro

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:49:15 +0800

LONDON (AP): Top-ranked Roger Federer was drawn Wednesday to play both U.S. Open champion Juan Martin del Potro and Andy Murray in the round-robin phase of the ATP World Tour Finals.

Ramzi stripped of Olympic 1,500-meter gold

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:48:04 +0800

LONDON (AP): Middle-distance runner Rashid Ramzi has been stripped of his 1,500-meter Olympic gold medal for doping, officials with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

McIlroy could become youngest Euro No. 1 since '79

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:46:55 +0800

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP): Rory McIlroy is trying to shake off the pressure as he bids to become the youngest player to finish at the top of the European Tour money list in 30 years.

Report: Raikkonen to sit out F1 next season

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:54:39 +0800

HELSINKI; Kimi Raikkonen will sit out of Formula One next season after failing to secure a move back to McLaren, Finnish media reported Wednesday.

Portugal out to dictate play against Bosnia

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:28:44 +0800

SARAJEVO: Portugal will face a hostile atmosphere and a confident opponent when it meets Bosnia-Herzegovina in the second leg of their World Cup playoff on Wednesday.

LA prosecutors review Mike Tyson’s photographer case

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:26:04 +0800

LOS ANGELES: Prosecutors have begun investigating whether to charge ex-heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and a photographer for a scuffle at Los Angeles International Airport.

Japan seeks vuvuzela ban in South Africa World Cup

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:23:40 +0800

TOKYO: The head of Japan’s football association wants FIFA to ban vuvuzela trumpets at the World Cup next year.