IN BRIEF (Page 24)
NBA
Nowitzki first European to win NBA's MVP award
NEW YORK: Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki was named the NBA's Most Valuable Player on Tuesday, the first European player to win the award.
The MVP award capped a roller-coaster campaign for Nowitzki, a versatile seven-foot German who played brilliantly during the season but poorly during the Mavericks' colossal playoff collapse.
A six-times All-Star during his nine-year NBA career, Nowitzki totalled 1,138 points, including 83 first-place votes, from a panel of 129 journalists.
Twice-MVP Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns, Nowitzki's good friend and former team mate, finished second in the voting with 1,013 points (44 first-place votes).
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers was third with 521 points, followed by San Antonio's Tim Duncan (286 points) and Cleveland's LeBron James (183 points).
Lakers forward Odom has shoulder surgery
EL SEGUNDO, California: Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom had surgery on his left shoulder Tuesday and is expected to be fit before the start of next season.
The arthroscopic procedure to repair a torn labrum was performed in Los Angeles, the Lakers said in a statement.
Odom, who will wear a sling for 10 days before beginning rehabilitation, is scheduled to be back with the Lakers for their pre-season training camp in October.
Odom averaged 15.9 points, 9.8 rebounds and 4.8 assists in 56 games in the 2006-07 season before injuring his shoulder against the Sacramento Kings on March 2.
The Lakers lost five successive games immediately following his absence and Odom later suffered a knee injury before returning for their final 23 contests.
Tennis
Serena beats Krajicek in comeback match
ROME: Eighth seed Serena Williams enjoyed a brisk workout on her return from injury with a 6-4, 6-1 win over Michaella Krajicek in the second round of the Italian Open on Tuesday.
The Australian Open champion, playing in her first tournament since pulling out of Charleston with a groin strain last month, came from a break down to take the first set.
Williams's confidence grew in the second set and after earning a break point with a drive-volley winner in the fourth game, a Krajicek double fault handed her the advantage.
She broke again in the sixth game and went on to close the match with an ace.
Asked how she felt after coming back from injury, the American replied: "I'm feeling I'm playing okay right now.
"I'm just really pleased this wasn't a really easy opening match. I need as much practice as I can get right now."
Soccer
Red Star complete double with cup win
BELGRADE: Red Star Belgrade became the first Serbian team to complete back-to-back domestic doubles after goals from Ognjen Koroman and Dusan Djokic gave them a 2-0 win over Vojvodina Novi Sad in the Cup final on Tuesday.
Red Star, who won the league earlier this month with three games to spare, lifted their 10th overall double and 21st Cup title with a strong second-half performance after Vojvodina dominated the early stages.
"We couldn't break them down in the first half but the lads responded well after the halftime chat in the dressing room and we dedicate this victory to our fans," said Red Star's delighted coach Bosko Djurovski.
(China Daily 05/17/2007 page24)
