Sports

New coach named, Loisel cancels plans

A month-long tug-of-war between the China Football Association (CFA) and French coach Elisabeth Loisel finally came to an end yesterday.

Ginobili sparks Spurs past Magic

ORLANDO, Florida: Argentine guard Manu Ginobili came off the bench to score 28 points Tuesday, sparking the reigning NBA champion San Antonio Spurs past the injury-struck Orlando Magic 107-97.

Fu knocks out O'Sullivan in thriller

Hong Kong sensation Marco Fu produced a brave performance yesterday to knock out Ronnie O'Sullivan 5-4 at the ongoing Snooker China Open at Beijing University Students' Gymnasium.

From heroes to zeroes

KUNMING, Yunnan province: Shao Jiayi was a well-placed penalty kick away from becoming a hero for China's national team, but he was denied by Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer as the World Cup Asian Zone qualifier ended in a goalless draw yesterday in Kunming.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Sports

Pistons snap Suns' seven-game streak

DETROIT: The Detroit Pistons ended the Phoenix Suns' seven-game winning streak with a 110-105 victory in overtime on Monday.

Bundesliga striker fit for Cup qualifier debut

KUNMING, Yunnan province: German Bundesliga club Energie Cottbus striker Shao Jiayi has returned to China for his international debut under coach Vladimir Petrovic in today's World Cup qualifier against Australia, looking to inspire the team to a much-needed home win.

Local star Ding advances as Dott's title defense gets pinched

Local sensation Ding Junhui enjoyed a happy start at the Snooker China Open yesterday as he overcame a 2-1 deficit to beat world No 18 Joe Perry 5-3 at the Beijing University Students Gymnasium.

Loisel ignores e-mail sacking

China's women's soccer coach Elisabeth Loisel is scheduled to arrive in Beijing today to learn about her future despite reports that a recent e-mail from the China Football Association (CFA) to Loisel released her from her contract and asked her not to return to China.

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