Top Shot

Nadal: Foot injury not career-threatening

MADRID: World No 2 Rafael Nadal denied on Wednesday a claim from his coach and uncle Toni Nadal that he had a potentially career-threatening foot injury.

"This injury hasn't stopped me competing at the top level for over two years. The story that has come out is totally false," Nadal, flanked by Toni Nadal, told Spanish state television.

In an interview published in Wednesday's Diario de Mallorca, Toni Nadal said the injury dating back to 2005 was a serious problem that could have long-term consequences.

"Rafael's career is not in danger. You can see that from the fact that he has just had his best year yet," Rafael Nadal's media manager Benito Perez-Barbadillo said.

"He sustained an injury to his left foot in 2005 which was treated then. He sometimes has a little pain with it that comes and goes, but every player plays with a little pain.

"This year he has played the second highest number of matches of anyone on the tour and achieved his highest-ever points total. It isn't career-threatening."

Ace closer Cordero signs huge contract with Cincinnati

DETROIT: The Cincinnati Reds signed closer Francisco Cordero to a four-year contract on Wednesday.

Cordero notched 44 saves in 51 chances last season with the Milwaukee Brewers to rank second among National League closers.

"Francisco is a very good pitcher and it's definitely going to help Cincinnati and hurt us," Brewers general manager Doug Melvin told MLB.com.

Financial terms were not disclosed but MLB.com reported the deal was worth a record $46 million, topping the $43 million paid to New York Mets Billy Wagner.

The two-time All-Star has 177 saves and lifetime 3.29 ERA in a nine-year career that has also included stints with the Detroit Tigers and Texas Rangers.

Asia's top player Al Qahtani gets Chelsea training chance

LONDON: Saudi Arabia captain Yasser Al Qahtani, the newly-crowned Asian Player of the Year, could be training with Chelsea as part of the award.

The training offer, part of a partnership between Chelsea and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), is subject to the agreement of the players' club, Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia, the player himself and calendar commitments, Chelsea said in a statement on Wednesday.

Al Qahtani, 25, said he hoped winning the award, which he received in Sydney earlier on Wednesday, would boost his chances of playing in Europe.

"It's a dream of any player to play in any of the European leagues. I would prefer England or Spain," he said.

Pro Bowl safety Wilson out for season with heel injury

LOS ANGELES: The Arizona Cardinals' Pro Bowl safety Adrian Wilson has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after deciding to undergo surgery to repair an Achilles injury, his team said on Wednesday.

Wilson, who has two interceptions in nine games, has not played since November 11 when he left the field early in the second half of a 31-21 win over the Detroit Lions.

Prior to the injury, Wilson had been one of the Cardinals most durable players having played in 73 consecutive games going back to 2002.

Wilson appeared in his first Pro Bowl last season after recording four interceptions and five sacks.

Tottenham's Defoe and Kaboul ruled out of UEFA Cup match

LONDON: Tottenham Hotspur's Jermain Defoe and Younes Kaboul will miss their side's UEFA Cup Group G match against Danish side Aalborg at White Hart Lane on Thursday.

England striker Defoe has a cold and France under-21 international defender Kaboul has picked up a groin injury, the Tottenham website (www.tottenhamhotspur.com) said.

They join Ledley King (long-term knee injury), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee), Ricardo Rocha and Anthony Gardner (both ankle) on the sidelines.

Spurs sit second in the group with three points, one behind leaders Anderlecht.

(China Daily 11/30/2007 page23)