Ancelotti backs Bale's effort

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Welsh winger Gareth Bale is having a "fantastic season" and called on his critics to relax.

IN BRIEF (Page 19)

Fans still going sleepless in Seattle

As shocking as it was, the Seattle Seahawks' last-minute loss to the New England Patriots in the Feb 1 Super Bowl was probably not even the worst loss in the city's sports history.

IOC won't tackle American football

IOC president Thomas Bach enjoyed his first taste of American football after attending Sunday's Super Bowl in Arizona but warned on Tuesday not to expect NFL players in the Olympics anytime soon.

Digest

NFL

LeBron not impressed by streak

Now in double digits, the Cavaliers' winning streak is both intact and impressive.

Pesky Pelicans ground Hawks

Dominated from the start, the Atlanta Hawks saw their team-record 19-game win streak - tied for fifth-best in NBA history - snapped on Monday with a 115-100 loss at New Orleans.

Yao giving kids a boost

In an indoor court at Shanghai's Yuanshen Basketball Park, 13-year-old Tian Yuke and a group of other children were practicing sliding, dribbling and defending, coached by former NBA point guard Gary Payton.

IN BRIEF (Page 19)

Cahill bullish on Shanghai Shenhua

Aussie sniper excited to showcase skills in China Super League

FIFA braced for four-horse presidential race

Three men remain in contention to challenge Sepp Blatter for the presidency of soccer's world governing body.

Cruyff in van Praag's corner

Soccer legend Johan Cruyff has thrown his weight behind fellow Dutchman Michael van Praag in the race for FIFA's presidency, saying his friend is "somebody you can count on."