Celtics eclipse Suns 117-97

BOSTON: The Boston Celtics snapped a rare two-game losing streak with a 117-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, Kevin Garnett leading the rout with a 30-point haul.

Injury forces Webber to end long career

NEW YORK: Five-time All-Star Chris Webber retired Wednesday due to a chronic knee injury that had hampered him throughout much of his 15-year NBA career.

Kuerten says farewell to Sony Ericsson Open

MIAMI: Former world No 1 Gustavo Kuerten lost 6-1, 7-5 to Frenchman Sebastien Grosjean on Wednesday in his last appearance at the Sony Ericsson Open.

Forsberg, Hejduk help Avalanche close in on West playoff spot

NEW YORK: The Colorado Avalanche produced four goals in the second period to earn a crucial 6-3 victory over the Vancouver Canucks Wednesday night in Denver.

Giants repeat 'no' to Bonds, remove his images

SAN FRANCISCO: The San Francisco Giants will not reconsider a decision to part ways with controversial home run king Barry Bonds, the team president said on Wednesday.

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New coach named, Loisel cancels plans

A month-long tug-of-war between the China Football Association (CFA) and French coach Elisabeth Loisel finally came to an end yesterday.

Ginobili sparks Spurs past Magic

ORLANDO, Florida: Argentine guard Manu Ginobili came off the bench to score 28 points Tuesday, sparking the reigning NBA champion San Antonio Spurs past the injury-struck Orlando Magic 107-97.

Fu knocks out O'Sullivan in thriller

Hong Kong sensation Marco Fu produced a brave performance yesterday to knock out Ronnie O'Sullivan 5-4 at the ongoing Snooker China Open at Beijing University Students' Gymnasium.

From heroes to zeroes

KUNMING, Yunnan province: Shao Jiayi was a well-placed penalty kick away from becoming a hero for China's national team, but he was denied by Australian goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer as the World Cup Asian Zone qualifier ended in a goalless draw yesterday in Kunming.

IN BRIEF (Page 24)

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