Ningbo serves up 'Ashoka' for Buddhists

The Buddhist monk, swathed in black robes and with something of a ghostly pallor about him, looked like a distant relative of the dark emperor in Star Wars, and I was testing his patience.

Wenger fumes over bad timing

SUNDERLAND, England - Arsene Wenger insisted there was no confrontation with fourth official Martin Atkinson as Arsenal was denied top spot in the Premier League thanks to Darren Bent's dramatic injury-time goal in a 1-1 draw at Sunderland.

Spurs fight back

Tottenham shrugged off a European hangover to overcome Wolves and move into the top four of the Premier League on Saturday as Newcastle stunned Everton with a 1-0 victory at Goodison Park.

Ronaldo hits winner as Real goes top

MADRID - Cristiano Ronaldo scored with a deflected free kick to earn Real Madrid a battling 2-1 victory at promoted Real Sociedad in La Liga on Saturday.

France reaches final, Djokovic flops

PARIS - Nine-time champion France eased into the Davis Cup final on Saturday, but Serbia's decision to throw unfit world No 2 Novak Djokovic into doubles action backfired against the Czech Republic.

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IN BRIEF (Page 23)

Lights up for the circus

They are sending in the clowns - along with the acrobats, lions, jugglers and the rest of the cast of characters who fit the big-top bill. But while it's got everything that traditionally makes a circus a circus, the Beijing carnival, Pandora Fantasy, truly shines with its lighting technology and sci-fi special effects.

Fire starters for fall

Hong Kong has numerous venues where you can have a splendid picnic or an outdoor barbecue. Food tastes better when eaten straight off the grill - beneath a canopy of stars in fresh air and picturesque settings.

In the air and under water

Shi Yingying takes you on a tour of two adventure-themed bars for a drink with a difference.

Seven days

Sept 19 / Beijing

Let there be light

To celebrate the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and China, world-renowned Swiss lighting artist, Gerry Hofstetter, illuminated iconic buildings and structures in Shanghai with a dazzling feast of light.