Asia growth will prove pessimists wrong

Asia growth pessimists expect to score a hat trick against the optimists in 2014 and beyond. We (at Standard Chartered) disagree.

Ghost of Hirohito still haunts as Japan fails to confront past

The completion by Japan's Imperial Household Agency of the 61-volume record of the life of Emperor Hirohito (1901-1989) has drawn much attention in Japan.

To give, or not to give officials welfare benefits

Amid the call for frugality and the fight against corruption, many grassroots civil servants lament their shrinking bonuses, especially because their salaries remain miserable.

Women in after 260 years

After 260 years of exclusion, women will be allowed to join the Royal and Ancient Golf Club after an overwhelming members' vote opened the doors to the famous St. Andrews clubhouse and paved the way for them to play a role in the governance of the game.

Young stars keen to take over from Li

A promising group of Chinese youngsters are well on the path to filling the giant void left by the retirement of Chinese tennis star Li Na.

FIFA officials ordered to return expensive watches

FIFA's ethics investigator ordered soccer officials on Thursday to return 65 luxury watches given as World Cup gifts or risk disciplinary action.

Score Board

Li Na calls it quits

Li Na, a two-time Grand Slam champion from China who took tennis in Asia to a new level, has retired due to recurring knee injuries.

Profile

Following is a factbox on two-time Grand Slam champion Li Na.

What they're saying

"I wish she can continue to work because she is not far from the top one in the world and she can continue to enjoy herself on the court, this is my best wish. But now this is the moment for you to listen to your heart and try to do what you want to do and try to do what is the best for you."

Memorable quotes

"I didn't have a good night last night. My husband was snoring. I woke up every hour."

The rise of China's women

Milestones in the progress of Chinese women's tennis.