South American nations angry at FIFA's lofty ban

LA PAZ: Andean countries vowed on Monday to fight a ban by FIFA on high-altitude soccer matches, with Bolivian President Evo Morales saying the measure discriminated against mountainous nations.

UEFA president calls for elitist G-14 to disband

ZURICH: UEFA President Michel Platini on Monday called for the G-14 to disband and drop its lawsuits claiming compensation for players injured on international duty.

McClaren struggles, but fellow deputy Low has Germany on a high

BERLIN: While England's Steve McClaren and Germany's Joachim Low had a similar journey to become national coach of their countries, they have trod different paths of success on the road to Euro 2008.

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Lippi rejects Juve's advances in favor of continuing break

Federer shines as sun returns at Open

PARIS: Roger Federer's latest bid to add the French Open to his glittering collection of 10 Grand Slam titles got off to a winning start at Roland Garros yesterday.

Girl power not enough at soaking Indy 500

INDIANAPOLIS: Maybe this is the surest sign that women racers are no different than their male rivals: Danica Patrick, Sarah Fisher and Milka Duno were all ticked off after the Indianapolis 500.

Sports

Rain comes to Serena's rescue

PARIS: Her first French Open match since 2004 hardly went according to plan at the outset Sunday, and Williams kept grimacing and admonishing herself as each shaky shot helped her 91st-ranked opponent race ahead by a set and a service break.

European Tour to set up alternative to PGA Tour

VIRGINIA WATER, England: The European Tour is set to join forces with other international circuits to compete more effectively with the US PGA Tour.

Chievo relegated after fluctuating final day

MILAN: Chievo were relegated from Serie A on Sunday after a 2-0 defeat by fellow strugglers Catania and Siena's 2-1 win over Lazio.

McLaren deny favoring Alonso over Hamilton

MONACO: McLaren denied favoring double world champion Fernando Alonso in the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday after rookie teammate Lewis Hamilton suggested he had been forced into a supporting role.

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Figo and Ranieri both silent on futures