Pirlo back for Italy after Bonaventura pulls out

Playmaker Andrea Pirlo was recalled by Italy at the age of 35 on Monday, less than four months after playing what was widely thought to be his final game for his country.

No praise for beating minnows, England warned

As England prepares to play San Marino, officially the joint-worst team in world soccer, at Wembley on Thursday, former manager Graham Taylor has warned the players not to expect any praise, however many goals the team wins by.

IN BRIEF (Page 23)

Score Board

NBA extends deals with ESPN and TNT

Players eye bigger piece of the pie after new TV contracts signed

Phelps suspended for six months after DUI arrest

Michael Phelps' comeback took a major hit on Monday, with USA Swimming suspending the 18-time Olympic champion for six months and forcing him to withdraw from next year's world championships.

League set for smooth-as-ice start to 2014-15 season

With the NBA trying to recover from the Donald Sterling fiasco and the NFL reeling from a string of domestic violence cases, the National Hockey League opens a new season on Wednesday free of controversy.

1,000 fishing boats, 500 seafood dishes

After a three-and-a-half-month moratorium on fishing, more than 1,000 fishing boats sailed from the port of Shipu in Xiangshan county, Zhejiang province on Sept 16 at the start of a new fishing season.

Visitors to Xiangshan have plenty of choices

High-speed trains are not available in Xiangshan county. But tourists can take these trains or fly to Ningbo and then take an intercity bus from Ningbo South Bus Station to Xiangshan.

Hidden heritage behind Nuo show masks

In the deep valleys of southwest China's Guizhou province the sounds of drums and gongs signal Nuo performances, which are held about 10 times a month to drive away evil spirits and pray for good.

Famous Song Dynasty painting recreated with carved shells

For many artists, the Qingming Festival by the Riverside - a famous Chinese 1,000-year-old painting - is a source of inspiration.

Fabregas ready to quiet Arsenal's guns

Cesc Fabregas will look to make Arsenal pay for its failure to re-sign him when he faces his old club in its match against Premier League leader Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.