Music among the many charms of coastal city

Olympic songs can be heard throughout Qindao as the city prepares for the 2008 Games.

Economy animated by arts

"Qingdao's culture industry has become a new engine driving the city's economic development," Jiang Zhengxuan, director general of Qingdao Municipal Cultural Bureau, said.

History lives on in old buildings, streets

"I really like Qingdao. The old buildings make me feel as if I'm standing in a German setting. The architecture, old streets and small fishing villages make Qingdao a unique city in China," said Michael, an American teacher at Qingdao University.

Sports

Eriksson takes over as Mexico coach

MEXICO CITY: Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson was named as the new Mexico coach on Tuesday the day after leaving Premier League club Manchester City.

Johnson's strikeout landmark unable to prevent loss

NEW YORK: Arizona's Randy Johnson moved into second place on the career strikeout list but the pitcher was unable to prevent the Milwaukee Brewers from securing a fifth straight win with a 7-1 triumph over the Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

Safina, Kuznetsova into semifinals

PARIS: Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia reached the French Open semifinals yesterday with a 7-5, 6-2 win over Kaia Kanepi of Estonia.

Warner urges US not to bid for 2018 World Cup

LONDON: England's hopes of staging the 2018 World Cup received a boost from FIFA vice-president Jack Warner on Tuesday when he urged the United States not to bid.

Bolt yet to decide if he will double in Beijing

RALEIGH, North Carolina: World 100m record holder Usain Bolt will rely on the advice of his coach before deciding whether to attempt a sprint double at the Beijing Olympics.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Sports

Ivanovic in final four at French Open

PARIS: Ana Ivanovic of Serbia moved within one match of her third Grand Slam final by defeating Swiss veteran Patty Schnyder 6-3, 6-2 in the French Open quarterfinals on Tuesday.