IN BRIEF (Page 24)
Rugby
Neck injury forces legend Johns to retire
Australian rugby league superstar Andrew "Joey" Johns announced his immediate retirement from the game yesterday due to a potentially "catastrophic" neck injury.
The Newcastle Knights captain and Australian halfback, widely regarded as one of league's greatest ever players, ended his legendary career on the advice of a leading spinal specialist.
Johns, 32, underwent CAT scans yesterday morning after aggravating a previous neck injury at training last Thursday in a collision with Newcastle team-mates Daniel Abraham and Adam Woolnough.
"I'm still in shock," Johns told a news conference. "It was really tough telling my family.
"I made an emotional call to my brother Matthew and it was even tougher talking to the players this afternoon."
The Newcastle team doctor Neil Halpin said Johns had no choice but to quit the game.
Tennis
Karlovic upsets Becker at US Clay Court ch'ships
HOUSTON: Ivo Karlovic ousted sixth seeded German Benjamin Becker 7-5, 7-6 in the first round of the US Clay Court Championships on Monday.
The unseeded Croat fired 16 aces and saved nine of 10 break points to claim his second victory over Becker this season.
Eighth seeded Juan Monaco of Argentina, seeking his second ATP victory of the season, beat American wild card Jan-Michael Gambill 7-5 6-4.
Monaco told resporters that the match had been difficult but that he gained confidence and power as it progressed.
Romanian Victor Hanescu snapped a 12-match losing streak by defeating Dutchman Martin Verkerk 6-4 6-4 to record his first ATP-level victory in more than a year.
Soccer
Sevilla lose keep Palop for Spurs clash
Sevilla goalkeeper Andres Palop will not be fit in time to face Tottenham Hotspur in their UEFA Cup quarterfinal, second leg match tomorrow, the Spanish club said yesterday.
Palop aggrevated a left calf strain during last Thursday's first leg, which Sevilla won 2-1.
His absence will be a big blow for Sevilla coach Juande Ramos as Palop has been one of the inspirations behind Sevilla's stunning season and they are the only Spanish side still contesting three titles.
In addition to still being in the UEFA Cup, Sevilla are second in La Liga and have reached the Spanish Cup semifinals.
Palop saved Sevilla in the last round of the UEFA Cup with a headed goal in the dying second of normal time at Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.
(China Daily 04/11/2007 page24)
