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Davenport to lead US in Fed Cup against Germany

NEW YORK: Former world No 1 Lindsay Davenport will lead the US in next week's Fed Cup world group quarterfinal against Germany, the United States Tennis Association said on Wednesday.

Davenport, a former Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open champion, will team up with Lisa Raymond, Ashley Harkleroad and Laura Granville for the Feb 2-3 tie in La Jolla, California.

The 31-year-old returned to the court last September after an 11-month absence to have a baby.

Davenport has a win-loss record of 31-2 in Fed Cup play where she has gone 25-2 in singles matches and 6-0 in the doubles.

She made her debut in the team competition in 1993 and has led her country to five finals and three titles - in 1996, 1999 and 2000.

The US and Germany have met in three Fed Cup finals dating back to 1966. The US triumphed in 1966 and 1982 while Germany claimed the title for the first time in 1987.

Cameron hired as Ravens offensive coordinator

BALTIMORE: Cam Cameron was named offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday after being sacked as Miami Dolphins coach following a 1-15 campaign.

Baltimore's offense ranked 22nd this season, a chief reason for its 5-11 record and last-place finish in the AFC North.

"We're excited to get Cam because he's a fine coach and a good person. He had other options," Ravens coach John Harbaugh said in a statement.

"Getting Cam makes this a very good day for the Ravens."

The 46-year-old Cameron was the architect of the San Diego Chargers' high-powered offense from 2002-06. He was fired on Jan 3 after just one season as the Dolphins' head coach.

"The first thing we'll do is look at a lot of video of the Ravens' offense and assess each player," said Cameron. "I'm excited to get going."

Riquelme, Mascherano named to young Argentina squad

BUENOS AIRES: Juan Roman Riquelme seems headed to the Olympics after being named to an 18-man Argentina squad for next month's friendly with Guatemala in Los Angeles.

Argentina is using the Feb 6 match to begin preparations for its defense of the Olympic title in Beijing in August and has picked a young squad with few players over 23, one being Boca Juniors playmaker Riquelme.

Another veteran is Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano, who was on the Olympic gold medal-winning team in Athens in 2004, and is the only other member of the 2006 World Cup squad in Germany to be called up.

The squad will be managed by Basile's assistant Sergio Batista, a former midfielder in the 1986 World Cup-winning team who has been charged with preparing the Olympic side.

Striker Bianchi swaps Manchester for Rome

ROME: Italian forward Rolando Bianchi will be presented as a Lazio player on Thursday after agreeing to a move from Manchester City, the Serie A club said on Wednesday.

"I had two other interesting offers but I chose Lazio for my future and to boost a great team," Bianchi told the Rome club's website (www.sslazio.it).

"It's a smart decision that I thought about again and again. I'm sure it's the right choice and the future will show it. The sooner I have the chance to take the field, the happier I'll be."

Italian media said the 24-year-old is joining Lazio on loan until the end of the season, when the transfer should become permanent.

Bianchi struggled to settle at Manchester City, which he joined in July for 13 million euros ($19 million) after scoring 18 goals in Serie A with Reggina last season.

Lazio is just two points above the Serie A relegation zone and has signed the forward to help it avoid the drop.

France defender Boumsong joining Lyon from Juventus

LYON, France: France defender Jean-Alain Boumsong is joining Olympique Lyon after the six-time French champion reached an agreement with Juventus, Lyon chairman Jean-Michel Aulas said on Wednesday.

"He will fly to Lyon during the night and will sign a contract for three and a half years tomorrow (Thursday)," Aulas told reporters after his side's 2-0 Ligue 1 win over Lorient.

Lyon needs a defender with Brazilian Cleber Anderson out for the rest of the season because of a knee injury.

The Cameroon-born Boumsong, 28, joined Juventus from Newcastle United in 2006. He has 22 caps for France.

(China Daily 01/25/2008 page22)