Police raid 3 clubs in bung probe

LONDON: English Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Portsmouth and Scottish Premier League club Rangers are all involved in a police investigation into corruption in soccer, the clubs and police confirmed on Monday.

Ono's late strike deflates touring United

SAITAMA, Japan: Shinji Ono denied Manchester United victory in the first game of its Asian tour with a late equalizer to secure a 2-2 draw for Urawa Red Diamonds in Saitama yesterday.

Rodriguez smacks 496th homer in Yankees victory

NEW YORK: Alex Rodriguez hit his 496th career home run and Andy Phillips delivered a tie-breaking single as the New York Yankees beat the Toronto Blue Jays 6-4 on Monday.

McLaren dismisses media speculation in spy case

LONDON: Nobody at McLaren knew before July 3 that one of the team's employees had confidential Ferrari information in his possession, the Formula One championship leaders said on Monday.

Becks finds feet, but ankle a problem

CARSON, California: Although David Beckham was unable to play a full part in his first training session with the Los Angeles Galaxy on Monday, he has quickly earned the respect of his new teammates.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Sports

Pistorius wide of mark with disrespect claims: IAAF

LONDON: Athletics governing body the IAAF has hit back at claims from South African sprinter Oscar Pistorius that it does not respect disabled athletes.

China delighted with World Group place

BRUSSELS: Olympic doubles champion Sun Tiantian and Yan Zi helped clinch China's place in the 2008 Fed Cup World Group as its team enjoyed a 4-1 win over Belgium in Knokke-Heist on Sunday.

Japan eases through to Asian Cup quarters with 4-1 rout

HANOI: Holder Japan stormed into the Asian Cup quarterfinals with a ruthless 4-1 demolition of co-host Vietnam yesterday.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Liu wins in rain but no joy for Gay

SHEFFIELD, England: Liu Xiang of China, the men's 110 meters hurdles world record-holder and Olympic champion, won his race in 13.23 seconds, 0.04 seconds ahead of American Ryan Wilson in the rain at Sunday's IAAF British Grand Prix.