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Asafa Powell clocks under 10 seconds in 2007 debut
BELGRADE: World 100 meters record holder Asafa Powell got off to an impressive 2007 start on Tuesday when he won the men's 100 metres in a time of 9.97 seconds.
Powell, who suffered a knee injury in April, was quickest out of the blocks and led comfortably throughout the race to finish ahead of Churandy Martina of the Netherlands Antilles, who clocked 10.11 seconds, and Jamaican compatriot Michael Frater with 10.19 secs.
"I feel very pleased with my time and I'll gladly come back here any time," Powell told reporters after the race.
"I gave all I had in my first race of the season and this win means a lot to me because it was a strong field and the 26th time I clocked under 10 seconds.
"There was no sign of the injury, I felt absolutely perfect."
Rivaldo signs for AEK Athens
ATHENS: Brazilian midfielder Rivaldo has ended speculation over his future on Tuesday by signing for Greek Super League club AEK Athens.
The club Web site said the 35-year-old, who quit Olympiakos Piraeus this month after contract negotiations stalled, has signed a two-year deal which, including bonuses, could be worth up to two million euros ($2.70 million) a year to the player.
"I have left one big team to go to another big team," the 2002 World Cup winner told the AEK Web site.
"The fact that AEK is in Athens played a role in my decision as my family is very happy here."
AEK finished second last season behind a Rivaldo-inspired Olympiakos, who made it three league championships in a row and 10 in 11 years.
Buffon ponders over staying at Juventus
ROME: Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says the possible return of Marcello Lippi as coach would make him think more seriously about staying at the club but the final decision on whether he leaves rests on other considerations.
"If Lippi arrives it could be an advantage but the choice of staying or going does not depend on one person," the Italy number one was quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport's Web site (www.gazzetta.it).
"If I decide to stay it will be only because I will again have the stimulus to return and battle for Juve."
England's Ferdinand to miss Brazil and Estonia games
LONDON: Central defenders Rio Ferdinand and Michael Dawson will both miss England's friendly against Brazil and Euro 2008 qualifier in Estonia due to groin injuries, manager Steve McClaren said on Tuesday.
Manchester United's Ferdinand, who missed several club games with the problem at the end of the season, was a likely starter alongside John Terry in Friday's Brazil friendly at Wembley and the trip to Estonia next Wednesday. He is likely to be replaced by Liverpool's Jamie Carragher.
Dawson, who played for England B last week, was hoping to be among the substitutes and with Jonathan Woodgate absent after knee surgery, McClaren has only Tottenham's Ledley King and Manchester United's Wes Brown as cover for central defence.
(China Daily 05/31/2007 page23)
