Top shot
Defiant Mosley alleges plot against him
LONDON: Max Mosley, president of world motor sport's governing body (FIA), claimed on Tuesday that he had been the victim of a covert surveillance operation orchestrated by unknown enemies, so as to force him to resign his post.
However, the 67-year-old son of pre-World War II British fascist leader Oswald insisted that he would not step down, but that he would stay away from this weekend's Bahrain Grand Prix not because he was asked to but so as he could mend fences with his family.
Mosley, a lawyer and former candidate for the Conservative party, was pictured in a British Sunday newspaper allegedly participating in an orgy with prostitutes dressed as Nazi guards.
Mosley, who has said he will take legal action against the perpetrators of the covert action, apologized in a statement for any embarrassment caused to the organization and its members.
Haas struggling for fitness before Games
BREMEN, Germany: Former world No 2 Tommy Haas is doubtful for August's Beijing Olympics after withdrawing from Germany's Davis Cup quarterfinal against Spain later this month.
Haas - who has dropped to 36 in the world from his No 2 rank in 2002 - recently withdrew from the ATP tournament in Miami and has had problems with his right shoulder as well as suffering with a sinus infection.
To protect his shoulder, on which he had an operation late last year, Haas has withdrawn from this month's Davis Cup clash against Spain and faces a race against time to be fit for Beijing.
But Haas insists he has no choice but to rest and miss the Davis Cup clash.
Anelka accepts bit-part role at Chelsea
ISTANBUL: Nicolas Anelka insists he is willing to stay in the shadows at Chelsea because he knows he will get the chance to win the game's top prizes.
Anelka has often been reduced to a bit-part role since his move from Bolton in January, but the France striker is a more mature character than earlier in his career and has no intention of causing problems for Blues manager Avram Grant.
His spells at Arsenal, Real Madrid and Liverpool were spoiled by his occasional outbursts when he felt hard-done-by, earning him the nickname "Le Sulk".
Now Anelka cuts a far more humble figure. He has only started 10 matches so far and could be on the bench again in today's Champions League quarterfinal first leg at Fenerbahce.
Lippi: Son's work as agent was distinct from my job
ROME: There was no conflict of interest between Marcello Lippi being a manager and his son being a football agent, the former Italy coach told a court in written testimony on Tuesday.
Six pages of evidence from a meeting between Lippi and a prosecutor were released to the trial of six men accused of fostering unfair competition through the use of threats or violence.
The six are linked to the Gea World sports agency and are suspected of manipulating the transfer market for their own gain.
Lippi was coach of Juventus from 1994-99 and 2001-04, working under general manager Luciano Moggi. Their sons Davide Lippi and Alessandro Moggi both worked for Gea.
Moratti denies rumors of Mourinho taking over at Inter
ROME: Inter Milan owner Massimo Moratti denied yesterday persistent rumors that former Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is due to take over the club's coaching reins from Roberto Mancini next season.
Speculation linking Mourinho to Inter has gathered pace since Mancini announced last month that he would step down at the end of the season, only to change his mind a day later.
Recently a Mourinho representative claimed he had been in Italy to meet with Moratti but Mourinho himself denied that meeting ever took place.
"For me the situation will not change because we want to go forward without making any great waves that you never know whether or not will be positive," said Moratti.
"These are other people's ideas but they're not true. But it's fascinating because everyone is waiting for some news.
"For many years now you (the press) start talking about this two months before the end of the season."
(China Daily 04/03/2008 page22)
