IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Motor racing

McLaren appeals set for November 15

LONDON: McLaren's appeal against a decision not to penalize BMW Sauber and Williams for fuel irregularities at the title-deciding Brazilian Grand Prix will be heard on November 15, the governing FIA said on Monday.

The International Court of Appeal will rule on the case in Paris.

McLaren appealed to the sport's governing body after Williams driver Nico Rosberg and the BMW Sauber pairing of Nick Heidfeld and Robert Kubica were not punished under rules relating to fuel temperatures.

Should the three drivers have their results from the race at Sao Paolo nullified, McLaren's Lewis Hamilton could win enough points to be crowned world champion instead of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen.

Baseball

Twins exercise option on pitcher Nathan for 2008

CHICAGO: Two-time All-Star Joe Nathan will stay with the Minnesota Twins for at least one more season after the Major League Baseball (MLB) team exercised its option on the pitcher on Monday.

Although financial terms were not disclosed by the Twins, the deal is estimated to be worth $6 million by local media.

Right-hander Nathan has converted 92 percent (160-of-174) of his save opportunities in four seasons at Minnesota, establishing himself as one of the best closers in franchise history.

The 32-year-old ranks second behind Rick Aguilera (254), the franchise leader in saves.

Soccer

Inter's Stankovic suffers ankle injury

MILAN: Inter Milan midfielder Dejan Stankovic did not suffer a fractured right ankle in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Palermo but has strained ligaments, the club website (www.inter.it) said without stating how long he is likely to be out of action.

Goalkeeper Julio Cesar, who also came off against Palermo, is having treatment on a sore back while reserve keeper Francesco Toldo has a small metatarsal fracture.

Defender Marco Materazzi has returned to training after missing two months with a thigh problem.

Referee set for ban after Juve penalty blunders

MILAN: Italian referee Mauro Bergonzi will not officiate in this week's matches and looks set to be dropped for a longer period after wrongly awarding two penalties against Juventus on Saturday.

Juve lost 3-1 at Napoli having been level at 1-1 before Maurizio Domizzi converted both controversial spotkicks.

Bergonzi decided Giorgio Chiellini fouled Ezequiel Lavezzi despite replays showing he won the ball and the official pointed to the spot again after former Juve striker Marcelo Zalayeta dived over keeper Gianluigi Buffon.

The referee has not been selected for any of Tuesday's Serie B games or Wednesday's Serie A matches.

NFL

Favre leads Packers to OT win over Broncos

DENVER: On the first play following the kickoff in overtime, Brett Favre connected on an 82-yard touchdown pass with Greg Jennings and the Green Bay Packers defeated the Denver Broncos 19-13 on Monday.

Denver had tied the score at 13 on Jason Elam's 21-yard field goal as time ran out in regulation, setting the stage for another Favre comeback.

Green Bay (6-1) won the coin toss and on the first play, Jennings was matched up in man-to-man coverage on the left side. Favre hit Jennings in stride at the Denver 40. Cornerback Dre' Bly had no shot at catching the speedy wide receiver who trotted into the end zone.

(China Daily 10/31/2007 page24)