IN BRIEF (Page 24)

SOCCER

UEFA probe lasers into eyes of Man United players

PARIS: UEFA will on Thursday discuss the aiming of lasers into the eyes of Manchester United players while playing at Lyon in the Champions League last month.

UEFA has said that there is "proof that a laser was pointed toward the eyes of Manchester United players during the match" on February 20.

United manager Alex Ferguson had said after the game that Cristiano Ronaldo had been aimed at with a laser.

European soccer's governing body will also look into racism claims toward Marseille players at Zenit St Petersburg in the UEFA Cup last week.

Swimming

Manaudou surges to victory in Eindhoven

EINDHOVEN, Netherlands: Olympic gold medalist Laure Manaudou swam away from her rivals to win the 200m backstroke at the European Championships on Wednesday.

The Frenchwoman, taking a break from the 200 and 400 freestyle in which she is world champion and world record-holder, proved equally at ease in the 200 backstroke.

She took charge on the second length at the National Swimming Center pool and pulled clear to win with plenty to spare in two minutes 7.99 seconds.

That made the 21-year-old the fifth fastest woman ever in the event. Russian Anastasia Zueva, 17, took silver in 2:09.59 and Hungary's Nikolett Szepesi bronze in 2:09.90.

"I surprised myself with this time," Manaudou told reporters.

NBA

Harris steps down as Bucks general manager

NEW YORK: Milwaukee Bucks general manager Larry Harris left the team on Wednesday after being told his contract would not be renewed.

The Bucks are 23-44 and outsiders to make the postseason.

"Larry Harris has served the Milwaukee Bucks since 1990 with complete dedication and loyalty," Bucks owner Herb Kohl told a news conference.

"The commitment and effort he provided the organization has resulted in many good outcomes.

"I believe at this time it is in the best interest of the Bucks to proceed in another direction."

Harris became general manager of the Bucks in 2003 and his current contract ran through June 30.

NHL

Rangers see off Devils in shootout

NEWARK, New Jersey: The New York Rangers gave themselves breathing space in their bid for an NHL playoff berth with a 2-1 shootout victory over cross-river rivals the New Jersey Devils on Wednesday.

Rangers goaltender Henrik Lundqvist saved from Jamie Langenbrunner, Brian Gionta and Zach Parise, while Nigel Dawes sneaked one past Devils netminder Martin Brodeur in the second round of the shootout for New York's winning score.

New York improved to 39-26-9 to tie for fifth place in the tight Eastern Conference with the Ottawa Senators. The shootout defeat left New Jersey at 42-24-7, but the point gained broke their tie with Montreal atop the conference standings.

Kings rising star Johnson out for season

LOS ANGELES: Los Angeles Kings rookie defenseman Jack Johnson will miss the remainder of the National Hockey League season after suffering a foot fracture in a 2-1 loss to the San Jose Sharks.

The 21-year-old rising star of the Kings' defense injured his right foot Tuesday when he was on the receiving end of a shot during his first shift of the second period.

Johnson, who is expected to resume skating in about a month, recorded three goals, eight assists and 76 penalty minutes in 74 games this season.

(China Daily 03/21/2008 page24)