A blend of greatness and daring

From a young driver with a delinquent temperament to the all-conquering 'Red Baron' of Formula One, Michael Schumacher has long been the undisputed king of the circuit.

Federer comfortable with gradual changes

Roger Federer's new alliance with Stefan Edberg appears to be a sign he will adopt a more aggressive game in 2014, but the Swiss believes it will be tough to make changes in time for this month's Australian Open.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

A year of Usain-ity in track world

Bolt's dominance diverted attention from the ongoing doping scandals that turned athletics into a global sideshow

Schumacher shows some signs of improvement

Michael Schumacher underwent a second surgery after a brain scan showed small, "surprising" signs of improvement, but doctors said on Tuesday they could offer no insight into the prognosis for the seven-time Formula One world champion.

Allegri says he's done with Milan

Beleaguered Massimiliano Allegri has spent his "last Christmas" as AC Milan coach, he said in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport on Tuesday.

Score Board

Basketball

McIlroy, Wozniacki seal love match

Golf ace rings in new year with a bang after tennis star agrees to marry him following two-year courtship

Quotes of the year

Sportsmen and women are not always the most articulate commentators on their own - or other peoples' - achievements. But every year throws up a series of out-of-the-ordinary, unexpected or just plain humorous quotes. The following is an AFP's selection of some of the more offbeat offerings from 2013:

Sacred mountain of wonders

Mount Emei, 127 km from Sichuan's capital of Chengdu, is one of Buddhism's four sacred mountains in China; the others are Wutai in Shanxi province, Jiuhua in Anhui province and Putuo in Zhejiang province. Buddhism reached the mountain about 2,000 years ago, and Mount Emei, with its approximately 30 monasteries, is a pilgrimage for Buddhists today.

Five free things to enjoy while in Madrid

Spain has for decades been among the world's top tourist destinations, mainly thanks to sun-seekers who flock each year to Mediterranean beaches or the Canary Islands. Madrid, with its vast array of bars, restaurants, rocket-propelled nightlife, also harbors a rich history and culture. While top-end hotels and restaurants are expensive, some of Madrid's best features can be enjoyed for free.

'Wild nature' still hindering Suarez

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho believes that Luis Suarez remains at the mercy of his "wild nature" despite the Liverpool striker's improved conduct in the Premier League season to date.