Rockets misfire as Boston snap Yao's winning streak

HOUSTON: Ray Allen scored 29 points to lead the reigning National Basketball Association champion Boston Celtics past Houston 103-99 here on Tuesday, handing the Rockets their first loss of the season.

Islanders see fog start to lift

NEW YORK: The New York Islanders moved out of last place in the NHL standings with a 2-1 win over the Eastern Conference-leading New York Rangers on Tuesday.

The world is not enough for No 1 Jankovic

DOHA: Jelena Jankovic gave a warning with both words and deeds that she feels a better player for coming into the WTA year-end championships as world No 1.

Refs sweat buckets as CBA mops up

Chinese basketball fans can expect less on-court violence this season and fairer refereeing as China's top-flight league, which tips off next week, has pledged to impose harsher punishments on referees and clubs for any such infringements.

No result on Liu's leg but surgery looks likely

Question marks still hang over Liu Xiang's future after he wrapped up his trip to the United States yesterday without a firm decision on the foot injury that saw him hobble out of the Beijing Olympics without even attempting to defend his gold medal in August.

Breaking the waves

Brazilian skipper Torben Grael steers Ericsson 4 to first place in the opening leg of the 2008-09 Volvo Ocean Race in Cape Town, South Africa on Tuesday.

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Maradona promises 'men of steel'

BUENOS AIRES: Diego Maradona took over as Argentina coach on Tuesday and brushed aside the possibility of failure in the role.

New boss names Scottish hit squad

BUENOS AIRES: Diego Maradona, confirmed as Argentina coach here on Tuesday, has named his squad for his first game in charge, the Nov 19 friendly against Scotland.

Barca qualify as Brits suffer CL nightmare

PARIS: Catalan giants Barcelona were the first team to progress to the Champions League knockout stages after Tuesday's group matches after a 1-1 draw with Swiss side Basel.

Lefty faces tough defense of HSBC Champions crown

Phil Mickelson and Padraig Harrison head up the greatest field of golfers ever assembled in Asia for this week's 2008 HSBC Champions in Shanghai.