Michael Phelps is back where he made Olympic history.
Germany's Maria Riesch destroyed her rivals to win a fourth successive slalom and strengthen her lead in the overall World Cup standings on Sunday.
Manchester United and Portugal winger Cristiano Ronaldo was named FIFA World Player of the Year at a ceremony on Monday.
Michael Phelps is back where he made Olympic history.Don't look for much swimming.
Alex Ferguson said Manchester United were lucky to still be on course for five trophies this season after their shock 1-0 League Cup semifinal, first leg defeat against Derby County.
Struggling NBA champions Boston Celtics suffered their third straight defeat after Houston Rockets edged them 89-85 at home on Wednesday.
Andre Iguodala scored 28 points and the Philadelphia 76ers held off a late rally to defeat the Houston Rockets 104-96 in a National Basketball Association game.
Malaysia Open Badminton Super Series 2009 begins in Kuala Lumpur, January 7, 2009.
Mongolian-born grand sumo champion Yokozuna Asashoryu and Yokozuna Hakuho perform the New Year's ring-entering rite at Meiji Shrine in Tokyo, January 6, 2009.
Xinhua selected China and world top 10 athletes of the year.