Asia to unite behind Australia's 2018 bid

SYDNEY: The whole of Asia could join forces to support Australia's bid to stage the 2018 World Cup ahead of a European rival, AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam said on Monday.

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Bucks beat Lakers to stay perfect at home

MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin: Michael Redd scored 26 points and China's Yi Jianlian added 12 points and six rebounds as Milwaukee remained unbeaten at home with a 110-103 triumph on Wednesday over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Finland and Wales share early lead at World Cup

MISSION HILLS, China: Club professional Pasi Purhonen played the round of his life with five birdies and an eagle to hand Finland a share of the early lead with former winner Wales in the $5 million Omega World Cup yesterday.

Australia, Japan, ROK take Asia's Olympic berths

SINGAPORE: Australia, Japan and Republic of Korea (ROK) booked their places at next year's Beijing Olympic football tournament after draws with Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain, respectively, on Wednesday.

Buschbaum set to quit for sex-change op

BERLIN: Former European pole-vault medalist Yvonne Buschbaum has announced her retirement from athletics to undergo hormone therapy and has hinted she will have a sex-change operation.

Holmes ends comeback with retirement

CHICAGO: Three-time Pro Bowl running back Priest Holmes of the Kansas City Chiefs ended his remarkable comeback by announcing his retirement from the National Football League on Wednesday.

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Holmes still haunted by Marciano remark

WASHINGTON: Larry Holmes has clashed with Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and Ken Norton yet admits his own verbal jab at an American icon was ultimately more painful than anything he endured inside the ring.

Italy's door still open for Del Piero

ROME: Italy coach Roberto Donadoni said on Tuesday that he has not permanently closed the door on Juventus striker Alessandro Del Piero.