France reaches final, Djokovic flops

PARIS - Nine-time champion France eased into the Davis Cup final on Saturday, but Serbia's decision to throw unfit world No 2 Novak Djokovic into doubles action backfired against the Czech Republic.

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IN BRIEF (Page 23)

Lights up for the circus

They are sending in the clowns - along with the acrobats, lions, jugglers and the rest of the cast of characters who fit the big-top bill. But while it's got everything that traditionally makes a circus a circus, the Beijing carnival, Pandora Fantasy, truly shines with its lighting technology and sci-fi special effects.

Fire starters for fall

Hong Kong has numerous venues where you can have a splendid picnic or an outdoor barbecue. Food tastes better when eaten straight off the grill - beneath a canopy of stars in fresh air and picturesque settings.

In the air and under water

Shi Yingying takes you on a tour of two adventure-themed bars for a drink with a difference.

Seven days

Sept 19 / Beijing

Let there be light

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China, world-renowned Swiss lighting artist, Gerry Hofstetter, illuminated iconic buildings and structures in Shanghai with a dazzling feast of light.

Efe lifts language barrier

Expo 2010 Shanghai has brought a lot amazing surprises. Take the tale of a nine-year-old Turkish boy, who, in addition to his mother tongue and a little English, is able to speak Chinese just like a native.

Huaqiao: a new financial Silicon Valley

Huaqiao International Business Service Park is the only provincial development area in China characterized by a dominant modern service industry. It will provide services for businesses in Shanghai and establish an outsourcing service base and a national financial outsourcing demonstration zone.

Human resources key to development

Editor's note: The Information Office of the State Council, or China's cabinet, published a white paper on China's human resources on Friday. Following is the full text:

Round, sweet and irresistible

Each year, the Mid-Autumn Festival on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month celebrates the season of plenty. It falls on the autumn equinox this year, Sept 22, when the moon is at its brightest and fullest.