Bryant powers Lakers past Suns

LOS ANGELES: The surging Los Angeles Lakers scored a 122-115 win over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, with Kobe Bryant knocking down 38 points and Andrew Bynum adding a career-high 28.

Wild Oats leads as race gets underway

SYDNEY: Supermaxi Wild Oats was on track to defend its Sydney to Hobart title on Wednesday after taking an early lead in the bluewater classic.

Hayden scores century, India fights back

MELBOURNE, Australia: Australia opener Matthew Hayden scored his 28th test century, while India captain Anil Kumble took five wickets to leave the first test evenly poised after the first day's play yesterday.

Arsenal keeper eyes England switch

LONDON: Spanish goalkeeper Manuel Almunia has refused to rule out switching his national colours to England.

Veteran Clement replaces Monfils in Hopman Cup

PERTH, Australia: Veteran Frenchman Arnaud Clement will replace Gael Monfils as Tatiana Golovin's playing partner at the mixed teams Hopman Cup, starting here on Saturday.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Adriano involved in fresh controversy

RIO DE JANEIRO: Brazilian striker Adriano, who last week promised to turn over a new leaf and get his career back on the rails, has landed in fresh controversy after being photographed at a pop concert holding a can of beer.

Tomlinson takes rushing lead as Chargers win

LOS ANGELES: LaDainian Tomlinson grabbed the NFL rushing lead and scored a touchdown as the San Diego Chargers won their fifth consecutive game with a 23-3 home victory over the Denver Broncos on Monday.

Offseason moves help Real stay 7 points clear

MADRID: Real Madrid justified its offseason moves after going seven points clear of second-place FC Barcelona ahead of the Spanish league's two-week winter break.

Christmas sacking for Bulls coach Skiles

CHICAGO: The Chicago Bulls, struggling near the bottom of the NBA's Eastern Conference after losing three of their last four games, fired coach Scott Skiles on Monday.

Sports

Wenger starts title countdown

LONDON: Arsene Wenger is already counting down the days until the end of the season as Arsenal tries to hold on to its position on top of the Premier League.