Chengde offers imperial tours

Hundreds of years ago emperors of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) often stayed in the city of Chengde not far from Beijing in summer or when they traveled to northeast China. Chengde has since been famous for its charming scenery, historic sites and pleasant weather.

Chengde vital statistics

Location: Northern China, bordering Beijing, Tianjing, Liaoning and Inner Mongolia

Suzhou alight with Olympic passion

"Even though no competitions will be held in Suzhou, the Beijing Olympic Games will promote the city's innovations in science and technology, improve its ecology and enhance its quality of life," Yan Li, mayor of Suzhou, told China Daily in a recent interview before the opening of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Nadal flattens unfortunate Serra

CINCINNATI, Ohio: Rafael Nadal steamrolled to another overwhelming victory this season, crushing Florent Serra 6-0, 6-1 on Thursday in the second round of the ATP Cincinnati Masters tournament.

Ivanovic is out to be No 1

MONTREAL: World No 1 Ana Ivanovic battled her way into the third round of the Montreal Cup to keep her nose in front in the fight for the top ranking on Wednesday.

Real reiterates desire to sign Ronaldo

MADRID: Real Madrid president Ramon Calderon has reiterated his desire to sign Cristiano Ronaldo but has said that the club is merely an interested spectator in a dispute between the player and Manchester United.

Hamilton driving at hat-trick of Formula 1 wins

LONDON: Lewis Hamilton can chalk up his third win in a row when he returns to Budapest for Sunday's Hungarian Grand Prix, a race he won in controversial circumstances last year.

Ricco admits taking EPO before the Tour

ROME: Italian Riccardo Ricco admitted on Wednesday that he took the blood-booster EPO before this month's Tour de France.

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IN BRIEF (Page 20)

Russian pole vaulter breaks own world mark

MONACO: Russian Yelena Isinbayeva broke her own women's world pole vault record on Tuesday when she cleared 5.04m at her third attempt at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Road Map sends WTA tour in new direction

MONTREAL: Women's tennis will get a 40 percent pay raise next year along with bigger fines, suspensions and responsibility for the leading players.