Man Utd stand between Mourinho and quadruple

MANCHESTER, England: Jose Mourinho was relishing the looming prospect of Chelsea taking on Manchester United three times in 15 days after his side beat Blackburn Rovers to reach the FA Cup final on Sunday.

Sports

Benitez turns attention to Chelsea

LIVERPOOL, England: Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez got the ball rolling on Wednesday in the inevitable war of words with Jose Mourinho that will dominate the build up to his team's Champions League semifinal against Chelsea.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Milan's old-timers want last hurrah

MUNICH: AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti says there is more to come from his side after their 2-0 win at Bayern Munich on Wednesday night booked them a Champions League semifinal against Manchester United.

Sports

S. Africa blow Windies apart

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: West Indies captain Brian Lara apologized to fans after his team's World Cup hopes were shattered by South Africa in their Super Eights match at the Grenada National Stadium Tuesday, before announcing his impending retirement from the one-day game.

Detoxed Maradona ends hospital stay

BUENOS AIRES: Argentine football legend Diego Maradona checked out of a private hospital early yesterday after 13 days of treatment for alcohol abuse, medical officials said in a statement.

Sports

After Ireland win, Kiwis believe this will be their year

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados: New Zealand skipper Stephen Fleming has said his team are capable of winning the World Cup for the first time if they maintain their momentum.

Bolton on course for European spot

LONDON: In-form Bolton need to keep up the quality of their performances in the next three matches if they want to keep on course for European qualification, manager Sam Allardyce said.

Nuggets top Lakers for sixth straight win

NEW YORK: Carmelo Anthony scored 33 points to lift the Denver Nuggets to a sixth straight victory, a 115-111 home triumph over the slumping Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.