A slap on the wrist for Maradona

BUENOS AIRES: Assuming Diego Maradona curbs his tongue, FIFA's two-month ban announced on Sunday leaves the volatile Argentine coach free to return center stage to next year's World Cup finals in South Africa.

Diego banned from football for two months - FIFA

ZURICH: Diego Maradona was banned from all football for two months by FIFA on Sunday over his sexually-explicit rant last month.

Don't cry for he

It should have been a moment to savor; qualification for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa after a rocky ride in South America.

Lakers booed at home in loss to Rockets

LOS ANGELES: Trevor Ariza got his NBA championship ring and his Houston Rockets got the win.

IN BRIEF (Page 22)

Defeat is just motivation for Games: Phelps

BERLIN: Beijing Olympic star Michael Phelps insisted on Sunday he would use his poor form at Berlin's world record-laden shortcourse World Cup meet as future motivation with an eye on the London 2012 Games.

Berlin meet produces record 16 new world marks

LAUSANNE: The two-day World Cup meeting in Berlin produced a new record for world records with 16 new best times set over two days, FINA said on Sunday.

Pacquiao eyes 'megafight' with Mayweather

LAS VEGAS: Manny Pacquiao hopes his stunning victory on Saturday over Miguel Cotto will put him in line for a mega welterweight showdown against Floyd Mayweather in 2010.

Score board

Alpine skiing

IN BRIEF (Page 23)

Pang, Tong gliding for gold

China's veteran figure skating pair of Pang Qing and Tong Jian have made a remarkable start to their Olympic season.

Three top-ranked pairs boost China's chances of breakthrough

Boasting three of the world's top figure skating pairs, China is poised to finally claim that elusive Olympic gold medal.