IRB defends referee as teams prepare for semifinals

PARIS: The International Rugby Board (IRB) defended World Cup referee Wayne Barnes on Tuesday after he received internet death threats and suffered abuse for his handling of France's quarterfinal win over New Zealand.

Jones downfall may give Ottey ninth Olympic medal

LJUBLJANA: Jamaican-born sprinter Merlene Ottey could add to her record tally of eight Olympic medals thanks to the fall from grace of US rival Marion Jones.

Alonso quizzed by magistrate in spying row

MILAN: Double world champion Fernando Alonso was interviewed by an Italian magistrate on Tuesday as part of a legal probe into Formula One's spying controversy, media reported.

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Sports

Drivers bid for WE57 HAM plate

LONDON: It is the ultimate status symbol for a West Ham fan with a fat wallet and an ego to match - the personalised car number plate "WE57 HAM".

Russian soccer fans wait in rain for tickets

MOSCOW: Thousands of fans stood in rain for more than five hours on Monday to buy tickets for next week's Euro 2008 qualifier between Russia and England.

Disgraced US sprinter Jones hands over Olympic medals

LOS ANGELES: Disgraced sprinter Marion Jones has been stripped of her gold medals from the 2000 Olympics and asked to repay more than $100,000 in prize and bonus money, the United States Olympic Committee said on Monday.

Coach: Wives, girlfriends to blame for Kiev's form

KIEV: Dynamo Kiev's coach blamed his players' girlfriends and wives for the team's performances this season and ordered the squad to a training camp away from any distractions, the club's website said.

Cowboys win in final 20 seconds

ORCHARD PARK, New York:Tony Romo is nothing if not resilient. And because he didn't let four interceptions in the first half, two returned for touchdowns, destroy his night, the Dallas Cowboys pulled off a stunning comeback victory.

Indians beat Yankees to reach championship series

NEW YORK: The Cleveland Indians strung together a stirring regular season and now they are working on an equally impressive Major League Baseball playoffs.

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