Ricco rocks, but Kirchen keeps jersey

BAGNERES-DE-BIGORRE, France: Italian Riccardo Ricco recovered from a heavy crash on the race's eighth stage to win the Tour de France ninth stage in spectacular fashion on Sunday.

Slumping Rays lose AL East lead with loss to Indians

NEW YORK: The reeling Tampa Bay Rays lost their seventh successive game and their lead in the American League (AL) East division with a 5-2 loss to the Cleveland Indians on Sunday.

Bolt hammers out double Beijing gold warning

ATHENS: Jamaica's Usain Bolt, the 100m world record holder, on Sunday ran the sixth fastest 200m of all time at the Grand Prix meeting here to increase the pressure on his Beijing Olympics sprint rivals.

Iran set to play in US ahead of Olympics

TEHERAN: Iran's basketball team has departed for a tournament in the United States, an official said on Monday, for a rare sporting encounter between the arch foes.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

Latest electronics debut in Qingdao

The 2008 China International Consumer Electronics Show (SINOCES) began yesterday in Qingdao, a coastal city in eastern Shandong province, with the theme "connected anytime, anywhere".

Forum has designs on growth

More than 40 leading industrial design institutes presented their latest work yesterday at the China International Consumer Electronics Show (SINOCES) in Qingdao.

City basks in hi-tech summer show

Through partnership with the giant Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held each January in Las Vegas, the 2008 China International Electronics Show (SINOCES) in Qingdao is now attracting the industry's top manufacturers, purchasers and designers.

Algae bloom clearing as sailors train

The expanse of algae at Qingdao's Olympic sailing venue is decreasing due to intense efforts by local authorities.

Global giants move markets

China and the United States - the biggest developing and largest developed nations - should solve problems with patience, flexibility and consultation, said Chinese Vice-Premier Wang Qishan , according to Xinhua news agency.

Quake response offers friendship and $3.7 million

"I extend my condolences to those injured and to the families of the victims of the earthquake in China's Sichuan province," United States President George W. Bush wrote on May 20 in the condolence book at the Chinese Embassy in Washington, DC.

AmCham bridge brings wide benefits

With roots in China for more than 20 years, the American Chamber of Commerce in China (AmCham-China) is committed to building bridges between businesses, government authorities and people to promote vibrant and constructive economic relationships.