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Frings' injury less serious than feared

BERLIN: Germany midfielder Torsten Frings will be out of action for several weeks rather than the many months first feared after he injured a knee in a pre-season friendly, his club Werder Bremen said on Wednesday.

"That is great news - we had all feared the worst at first," managing director Klaus Allofs said on the club's Web site (www.werder-online.de). "All the indications were at first that he suffered a cruciate ligament rupture."

Werder said earlier on Wednesday that an MRI scan conducted overnight confirmed the player had suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee during their match against second division side SC Paderborn on Tuesday.

But another examination on Wednesday in Munich determined the ligament was only slightly damaged and Frings would not need surgery. He will be out for at least six weeks.

College prodigy Kolb signs with Philadelphia Eagles

CHICAGO: Quarterback Kevin Kolb, who delivered one of the best seasons in US college history in 2006, signed a four-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles Wednesday.

"The contract is behind me, the business is behind me, everything worked out perfectly for me," Kolb was quoted as saying on the Eagles' official website.

A four-year starter at the University of Houston and a double All-Conference USA pick, Kolb connected on 292 of 432 passes for 3,809 yards and 30 touchdowns in his final college season.

He became the first player in college history to throw for more than 3,000 yards in three separate seasons and posted 21 career rushing touchdowns, the most by a quarterback.

First pick for the Eagles in the April NFL draft, Kolb was the 36th overall selection in the second round.

Blackhawks sign star Ontario teen Kane

CHICAGO: Teenager Patrick Kane, the No 1 pick in the 2007 NHL entry draft, signed a three-year contract with the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.

American Kane, 18, scored 62 goals in 58 games in his rookie season with the Ontario Hockey League's London Knights.

"Patrick is a dynamic and exciting young player," Blackhawks general manager Dale Tallon said in a statement.

"We're pleased that he will begin a long and productive career with the Blackhawks when we open camp on September 13. Patrick will get every opportunity to earn a spot on the opening night roster."

Kane, the first of a record-equalling 10 American players selected in the first round of last month's draft, said: "I'm looking forward to a long and exciting career with the team."

A native of Buffalo in New York, Kane ended the 2006-07 Ontario Hockey League as the leading scorer, rookie of the year and a first team All-Star.

(China Daily 07/27/2007 page23)