'A real Dakar' promised in South America

PARIS: The Dakar Rally switches continents next year with a gruelling 9,000 km event planned for Argentina and Chile.

NFL commish plans no new punishments for 'Spygate'

NEW YORK: National Football League commissioner Roger Goodell brought down the curtain on the "Spygate" scandal here on Tuesday after meeting with former New England Patriots video assistant Matt Walsh.

IN BRIEF (Page 22)

Sharapova strikes deal

ROME: World No 2 Maria Sharapova said on Monday that she had struck a deal with the WTA over a publicity photo shoot she had claimed she was being forced into on the eve of the Italian Open.

Rijkaard saddened by final Nou Camp defeat

MADRID: Barcelona coach Frank Rijkaard gave a rare display of emotion after his side's 3-2 loss to Real Mallorca on Sunday, admitting he was upset that his last match at the Nou Camp had ended in defeat.

Officials mull rule change after tanking controversy

JAKARTA: Badminton's powerbrokers admitted yesterday they needed to re-examine the rules after South Korea threw a match at the prestigious Thomas Cup here.

United keen to build on title success

MANCHESTER, England: Premier League champion Manchester United is determined to build on its latest success and will strengthen its squad to do so, chief executive David Gill said.

Sports

Nadal under Djokovic threat

HAMBURG, Germany: Having dominated men's tennis for nearly three years, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's monopoly is under threat with Novak Djokovic admitting he is playing the best tennis of his life.

Top shot

Samuels found guilty

Sports China

An entertaining obstacle

What do you expect out of a basketball Game? Some excitement? A few superstars? Or just a taste of patriotism? Anyone at the Wukesong Indoor Arena on August 10 - the opening Olympic game - will get a sampling of all this.