Spieth pranks rookie pal

Jordan Spieth and Justin Thomas have known each other since they were 14 and were picked to represent the US in the Evian Junior Masters in France. Their families have stayed in each other's houses during tournaments and Spieth and Thomas often stay together on the road.

IN BRIEF (Page 19)

Chelsea boss heaps kudos on Coutinho

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes Philippe Coutinho can scale the same heights as Luis Suarez after the Brazilian's stunning injury-time winner against Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday secured its place in the FA Cup fifth round with a hard-fought 2-1 victory.

Serena ends long boycott of Indian Wells event

Top-ranked Serena Williams, coming off her 19th Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open, said on Wednesday she will end a 14-year boycott of the Indian Wells WTA tournament.

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Baseball

Barca resents litigation over Neymar deal

Spanish tax authorities want accountability

Redknapp relinquishes role with Queens Park Rangers

Harry Redknapp quit the Queens Park Rangers on Tuesday in a sudden move that could signal the end of the charismatic but outspoken manager's Premier League career.

Ancelotti backs Bale's effort

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Welsh winger Gareth Bale is having a "fantastic season" and called on his critics to relax.

IN BRIEF (Page 19)

Fans still going sleepless in Seattle

As shocking as it was, the Seattle Seahawks' last-minute loss to the New England Patriots in the Feb 1 Super Bowl was probably not even the worst loss in the city's sports history.

IOC won't tackle American football

IOC president Thomas Bach enjoyed his first taste of American football after attending Sunday's Super Bowl in Arizona but warned on Tuesday not to expect NFL players in the Olympics anytime soon.

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NFL