The referee who refused to be bought

China's professional soccer is haunted by a past rife with corruption, and the greatest specter of all is hei shao - loosely translated as "black whistlers" - which fans frequently chant during games.

Score board

Sterling doubts strike talk

Donald Sterling, the embattled Los Angeles Clippers owner banned for life by the NBA for racist remarks, said he doubts players would strike if he still owns the team next season.

Jesus can't beat Benifca curse

Sports fans are by nature a superstitious lot and are no strangers to their clubs being "cursed."

Price is right for Canadiens

Even as the Montreal Canadiens swept through the opening round of the playoffs - their first postseason series victory in four years - they knew a more difficult challenge was next.

Tanaka keeping Yankees in race

Masahiro Tanaka came to the rescue of the New York Yankees once again on Wednesday as the Japanese right-hander stopped his team's four-game losing skid with another brilliant outing.

'Gunslinger' playing by own rules

Luis Suarez, one of the explosive talents and characters in soccer, is unrepentant about his World Cup infamy, but would love to make a more positive impact in Brazil.

England expects Rooney at his best

Wayne Rooney will be out to break his World Cup curse in Brazil after flopping on the biggest stage twice before.

Italy concerned about two sides of Balotelli

After AC Milan's worst season in decades, Italians are hoping Mario Balotelli can end his goal drought at the World Cup finals.

IN BRIEF (Page 23)

Feng forecasts fabulous future

Put down your clubs and listen up.

Rangers complete miracle comeback

New York Rangers coach Alain Vigneault had trouble finding the words to describe goaltender Henrik Lundqvist.