IN BRIEF (Page 8)

SOCCER

Mourinho charged over ref comments

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho on Thursday was charged with misconduct over comments he made about the referee that officiated United's 0-0 draw with Liverpool earlier this month.

The outspoken Portuguese boss faces a disciplinary hearing after questioning referee Anthony Taylor's suitability to take charge of the Oct 17 match at Anfield.

The official's appointment for the Premier League derby had led former English top flight referee Keith Hackett to claim the appointment would place undue pressure on Taylor, and Mourinho added: "I think Mr Taylor is a very good referee but I think somebody with intention is putting such a pressure on him that I feel that it will be difficult for him to have a very good performance."

BASKETBALL

Pistons eyeing downtown move

The Detroit Pistons could be starting their final season at The Palace of Auburn Hills.

The team is in advanced discussions about moving downtown to play at the new home of the NHL's Detroit Red Wings, according to a source with knowledge of the talks.

The source, speaking on condition of anonymity to Associated Press because the Pistons have not commented, said there is no deal yet, but that the intent is for the NBA franchise to start playing downtown next season, if possible.

NFL

Dolphins' Landry fined for block

Miami Dolphins receiver Jarvis Landry has been fined $24,309 for an illegal crackback block that injured Buffalo Bills safety Aaron Williams.

A source confirmed the fine to Associated Press on condition of anonymity on Thursday because the NFL had not yet announced it. A letter disclosing the fine was sent via email to Landry, his agent, the Dolphins and the NFLPA.

Landry was penalized for unnecessary roughness after he launched himself and caught Williams in the head while blocking on a running play last Sunday.

Williams was taken to hospital for evaluation of a head and neck injury before traveling home with the Bills.

ICE HOCKEY

Holdout Lindholm gets six-year deal

The Anaheim Ducks on Thursday signed holdout Hampus Lindholm to a six-year, $31.5 million contract through the 2021-22 season, ending a stalemate with the talented Swedish defenseman.

The 22-year-old Lindholm scored 92 points in 236 games over the past three seasons, but missed training camp and the first eight regular-season games this fall while holding out.

"I'm really happy to be back in Anaheim," Lindholm said in a phone interview.

" This is the only time when they could sign me and still keep some other players. It was a way to keep most of the team we had last year."

GOLF

Junior competition tees off in Beijing

Held in conjunction with the only PGA event in China - the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai - the Asia-Pacific Junior Classic teed off on Friday at Beijing's Topwin Golf and Country Club, in the capital's Huairou district.

The three rounds of stroke play pit the best players aged 13-18 from the region on the Ian Woosman-designed par-72 course.

Participants include HSBC junior men's and women's champions Feng Zhourui and Zhang Jingwen.

Agencies - China Daily

(China Daily 10/29/2016 page8)