Sundy

Host overcomes early setbacks

China started its World Cup qualifiers in roller-coaster fashion by reversing a two-goal deficit for a 7-2 victory against Asian minnow Laos in Kunming, Yunnan province. The home side, which is ranked 75th on FIFA's list, was expected to waltz to a convincing win over the world's No 174th-ranked team.

Mondy

Chinese seal sweep in diving

Chinese diver Qiu Bo won his first 10m platform World Championships title with near-flawless performance, ending his country's campaign at the Shanghai worlds with a history-making sweep of all the gold medals. Qiu, who achieved two full scores during the six-dive final, claimed gold with 585.45 points.

Tuesday

Norwegian win a boost for nation

For a minute or two, Norwegian swimmer Alexander Dale Oen was able to block out the massacre that traumatized his nation and focus on the pool. However, as soon as he won the men's 100m breaststroke, he pointed to the flag on his cap and flexed his muscles - a sign of strength to his countrymen back home.

Wednesday

Back to business for NFL

The National Football League and its players ended their months-long row over how to carve up their financial empire by agreeing to a multi-billion dollar, 10-year deal. Key players from both sides shook hands and hugged each other like old friends during a news conference which ended the acrimonious lockout.

Thursday

Coe sends out drug warning

The London Olympics will have the toughest anti-doping program in history, 2012 chief Sebastian Coe said as officials prepared for the one-year countdown. "What I can say to athletes coming to London is that we will have the technology in place that is in excess of any you have encountered," Coe said.

Friday

Blatter denies claims

Beleaguered FIFA president Sepp Blatter denied he ran the organization like a "dictator", but refused to make a comment on his former ally Mohamed bin Hammam's, who was banned from soccer for life on corruption charges. Bin Hammam said Blatter was a dictator who silenced anyone who opposed him.

Saturday

Tiger set to return next week

Tiger Woods, a 14-time major winner who has struggled with a left knee injury, will play his first competitive event in nearly three months next week at a World Golf Championships tournament. The former world No 1 announced on his website he will play at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational in Akron, Ohio.

(China Daily 07/31/2011 page8)