NBA comes tougher than college for Noah

LOS ANGELES: Joakim Noah is finding that life in the NBA has yet to bring the same huge success he enjoyed as a college player.

Venezuela coach Paez quits over fans' criticism

CARACAS: Venezuela coach Richard Paez quit on Monday after six-and-a-half years in charge during which he transformed the team's fortunes, but had become subject to recent criticism by fans.

Sports

Rematch set for England and Croatia

DURBAN, South Africa: Holder Italy was pitched against Bulgaria while England found itself up against its recent nemesis Croatia in Sunday's draw for qualifying for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Triple-double from James boosts Cavs

INDIANAPOLIS: LeBron James had his fourth triple-double of the season, and the Cleveland Cavaliers beat the Indiana Pacers 111-106 on Sunday for their third straight win.

Patriots rally to hold off Eagles, remain unbeaten

BOSTON: The unbeaten New England Patriots rallied in the fourth quarter to beat the Philadelphia Eagles 31-28 and celebrate wrapping up their divisional title on Sunday.

Asia to unite behind Australia's 2018 bid

SYDNEY: The whole of Asia could join forces to support Australia's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup ahead of a European rival, AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam said on Monday.

IN BRIEF (Page 23)

Sports

Bucks beat Lakers to stay perfect at home

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin: Michael Redd scored 26 points and China's Yi Jianlian added 12 points and six rebounds as Milwaukee remained unbeaten at home with a 110-103 triumph on Wednesday over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Finland and Wales share early lead at World Cup

MISSION HILLS, China: Club professional Pasi Purhonen played the round of his life with five birdies and an eagle to hand Finland a share of the early lead with former winner Wales in the $5 million Omega World Cup yesterday.

Australia, Japan, ROK take Asia's Olympic berths

SINGAPORE: Australia, Japan and Republic of Korea (ROK) booked their places at next year's Beijing Olympic football tournament after draws with Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, respectively, on Wednesday.