Player's support lifts Immelman to major breakthrough

AUGUSTA, Georgia: First lifted by fellow South African Gary Player at the tender age of five, Trevor Immelman fittingly rewarded the support of his boyhood idol by winning his maiden major title at the US Masters.

Brazil World Cup winner Romario retires at 42

RIO DE JANEIRO: Former Brazil striker Romario announced his retirement on Monday at 42, ending a career in which he won the World Cup, was involved in numerous controversies and claimed to have scored more than 1,000 goals.

Federer tests mettle of new coach

JAMOR, Portugal: World No 1 Roger Federer confirmed on Monday that he will work with new coach Jose Higueras during this week's Estoril Open in Portugal with the view to teaming up again for the French Open in May.

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Sharapova keen to continue form

Barca needs to kill teams off, Rijkaard says

MADRID: Dutch coach Frank Rijkaard says Barcelona needs to start killing teams off if it is to have any chance of lifting the Spanish title this season.

US joins Russia, Argentina, Spain in semis

PARIS: The United States joined Russia, Argentina and Spain in the semifinals of the Davis Cup on Sunday after Andy Roddick beat France's Paul-Henri Mathieu 6-2, 6-3, 6-2 for a 3-1 winning lead.

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Benitez wants to discuss Klinsmann's Liverpool link

LIVERPOOL, England: Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has demanded showdown talks with the club's warring American co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett following weekend revelations.

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Sharapova wins 1st claycourt title

Fergie salutes 'massive' United win

MANCHESTER, England: Sir Alex Ferguson hailed his Manchester United side's 2-1 victory over Arsenal here at Old Trafford as a decisive moment in this season's Premier League title race.

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Klinsmann causes waves in Bayern

BERLIN: Three months before he takes over as Bayern Munich head coach, Jurgen Klinsmann is already causing waves in the south Germany city as he prepares for his first season in charge.