Tevez completes move to City

Manchester City have announced they have reached an agreement to sign Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez.

The 25-year-old, who left city rivals United at the end of last season, has agreed personal terms and is expected to pen a five-year deal at Eastlands.

City have confirmed the deal has been ratified by the Premier League and the Football Association, and Tevez is expected to have a medical shortly before meeting up with his new team-mates on their pre-season tour to South Africa.

Manager Mark Hughes told www.mcfc.co.uk: "It is terrific news. Carlos is an international player of the highest class who possesses all the attributes that will help drive this club forward."

He added: "He is not only outstanding technically but he is a reliable goalscorer and someone who will contribute fully to the team ethic. He gives us another exciting attacking dimension.

"I cannot wait to welcome him to City."

With rumours swirling round Manchester that Emmanuel Adebayor is about to be offered a five-year contract to leave Arsenal and continuing speculation over the future of Chelsea skipper John Terry, it is clear City are a club on the march.

It is Hughes' job to mould a team from the succession of star names being welcomed to the club, although it is a task to relish rather than one to fear, with ambition coursing through the veins of City's Abu Dhabi-based backers.

"This is yet another deal that shows the commitment of owner Sheikh Mansour to make this club the best it can possibly be," said Hughes.

"I am sure our fans will give Carlos an exceptionally warm welcome."

The Premier League have ratified all the paperwork and assured themselves City have sole registration of the only player to win the South American player of the year award three seasons running.

An Olympic champion with Argentina in Athens five years ago, Tevez has won successive Premier League titles at United, where he was a crowd favourite.

Whether such adoration will be maintained now he has become one of a select band to have joined both Manchester clubs will be tested at the Old Trafford derby on September 19.

However, having lost out on Tevez, Sir Alex Ferguson today declared his belief the former West Ham player had already done a deal to move on.

"I half expected Carlos Tevez would be going a long time back," said the United boss.

"I think he maybe did a deal around January because I spoke to him and gave him an offer on the night we played Inter Milan (in March) and he never came back to me.

"I phoned him on holiday and he never got back to me and I texted him twice and he never got back to me then either, so obviously he had made his mind up a long time ago.

"He was a good player and did well for us. But he obviously assessed the situation and wanted to go somewhere else."

Such talk seems slightly wide of the mark but, with his family settled in the north-west and City hardly scrimping on the value of contracts, Tevez spurned interest from Chelsea to effectively remain at his current base, merely exchanging a red shirt for blue.

It further strengthens an attack that includes Roque Santa Cruz, Robinho and Craig Bellamy, plus a further five experienced players, most of whom are likely to find themselves surplus to requirements.

That will definitely be the case if the transfer of Adebayor goes through, although Arsenal must know they will be putting their own Champions League place at risk by sanctioning such a deal.

In addition, Terry's situation needs to be clarified, with City willing to pay record wages to lure the England captain north from Chelsea.

With the Londoners ready to leave for their own pre-season tour on Thursday, it has been suggested some kind of press conference could be held where Terry outlines his own vision for the future, although as he apparently feels let down by the lack of big names heading for Stamford Bridge, manager Carlo Ancelotti could not be certain of its contents.

Rafa thought of signing Owen

Rafa Benitez has revealed that he considered signing Michael Owen but dismissed it as he could not guarantee a first team place.

The 29-year-old spent eight successful seasons at Anfield at the start of his career scoring 158 goals in all competitions.

However that has not stopped the striker from moving down the East Lancs Road to fiercest rivals Manchester United on a free transfer from Newcastle this summer.

Benitez admitted that he flirted with the idea of bringing the forward back to Liverpool but did not feel he would dislodge Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard up front.

"We had contact with different people and were analysing the situation," he told The People.

"But if you want to play Torres and Gerrard there is not always a lot of space for other players.

"When I brought back Robbie Fowler it was a different situation. We were looking for someone who could understand his role clearly and he was a good finisher.

"But we have a World Cup coming up and all the top players want to play. In his position it would be hard for Owen to play every week at Liverpool."

The Spaniard is also confident he already has enough squad depth at his disposal to cope with any injuries to his preferred front pairing.

"We are confident in (Dirk) Kuyt, (Ryan) Babel, (David) Ngog and (Andriy) Voronin for next season. We have players with quality," he added.

"People say I might need another striker but I remember signing Robbie Keane and everyone was saying good things.

"Then after I sold Robbie people were saying I was short of strikers but we scored more goals than anyone in the Premier League."

Westwood playing into form

Sick on Thursday, better on Friday, flying on Saturday - this has been some week for Lee Westwood.

And next week might be even more memorable. Perhaps only Tiger Woods will go into The Open at Turnberry with more confidence.

Doubtful before the start of the Barclays Scottish Open and wishing after two holes he had pulled out - "I was stupid to play," he said - on Saturday Westwood added a 64 to his second-round 66.

And he admitted afterwards that thoughts of the European Tour's first-ever 59 entered his mind when he birdied nine of the first 12 holes and had two more clear chances coming straight up.

"I was just unfortunate," said the Ryder Cup star, who last Sunday was in a play-off for the French Open after a superb closing 65.

"I had to wait on the 13th tee and on the next and those sort of things just break your rhythm occasionally."

A chest infection that kept him awake all night had been the reason he came so close to withdrawing.

"It just goes to show I'm a man who needs his sleep. It just felt like somebody's else head on my shoulders - I was dizzy and I couldn't focus.

"It felt almost like I was hung over, if any of you have ever been hung over." To a group of journalists that raised a laugh.

"I was given anti-biotics, slept for three hours after I played yesterday and then for another 12 hours.

"I've obviously still got a bit of a bad chest, but it's not making me feel ill. I had my tonsils taken out last November and when you take them out it just goes to your chest instead.

"I spoke to Ian Poulter and he had the same thing. He gets more chest infections than he used to."

Going into last year's Open Westwood was a centre of attention following his third-place finish in the US Open.

He finished only 67th and complained about how hard it was for home players.

"At the US Open I went in with no expectations. This week that's just not possible," he stated then.

"It's just not possible to be low key. There's too much to do to concentrate solely on golf.

"I think that's part of the reason British players don't do better, but I think I can manage it better in the future."

On the same subject he commented: "It's just an intense week. The demands on your time are very great.

"If you can just go in there and not have to talk to anybody it would be a massive result.

"But unfortunately it's the Open Championship and I'm British - and I'm not the sort that's not going to talk."

From three over par after two holes on Thursday Westwood is now 10 under. He still has catching up to do, but his game is exactly where he wants it to be so close to Turnberry.

Asian Cup champions Iraq celebrated their first match on home soil in seven years with a 3-0 friendly win over Palestine. Hawar Mulla Mohamad, Younis

Asian Cup champions Iraq celebrated their first match on home soil in seven years with a 3-0 friendly win over Palestine.

Hawar Mulla Mohamad, Younis Mahmoud and Loay Salah were on target in Iraq's first match played at home since a 2-1 defeat to Syria in Baghdad in July 2002.

The home side opened the scoring at the Francois Hariri Stadium in Arbil after 19 minutes when Salih Sader's corner was headed by Salam Shaker to Mohamad, who converted from close range.

Iraq should have doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time when they were awarded a penalty, but Mahmoud's effort was saved by Palestine goalkeeper Mohamad Shbeir.

Mahmoud made up for that miss, though, by scoring the second goal after 56 minutes when he headed home a cross from the left by Bassem Abbas.

Iraq continued to press and they added a third in the last minute when striker Salah shot powerfully past Shbeir.

This game was hailed as a symbol of hope and peace for the war-torn country.

The match was played in Arbil, which is the capital of the autonomous region of Kurdistan, and it gave an opportunity for Arabs and Kurds to forgo hostilities and cheer for the same side.

Iraq had sensationally won the Asian Cup in 2007 but have struggled since and failed to qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa, while they recently represented Asia at the Confederations Cup but failed to advance out of the group stage after recording draws against hosts South Africa and New Zealand while losing to Spain.

Meanwhile, Palestine will reportedly travel to Baghdad on Monday to play a second friendly against Iraq.

Potter tribute to murdered actor

Cast and crew from the new Harry Potter film are to wear white ribbons on their wrists at its world premiere as a mark of respect to murdered actor Rob Knox.

Mr Knox, 18, who played Marcus Belby in the forthcoming Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, was stabbed in Sidcup, south-east London, last May.

He was defending his brother when he was attacked by Karl Bishop, who received four life terms in March.

The film's world premiere is being held in Leicester Square on Tuesday.

Daniel Radcliffe, who plays the teenage wizard in the film, said Knox's death had hit all of the cast.

He said: "I won't pretend I knew him incredibly well, or was his best friend on set, but I knew him and liked him, and what happened to him was obviously tragic and awful."

The Harry Potter film cast are to pay tribute to all knife-crime victims

Co-star Bonnie Wright, who plays Ginny Weasley, younger sister of Harry's best friend Ron, said the cast wanted to show solidarity with all knife-crime victims.

"It's going to be quite a traumatic experience for his family, who've been very supportive of him," she said.

She said the wearing of white ribbons on their wrists was not only for his life but for other families who had experienced knife crime.

The film is the sixth film based on JK Rowling's best-selling books and has director David Yates, who took charge of the last movie, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, back at the helm.

He said Knox's death was a "waste".

"You are surrounded by young people all day long who bring a great commitment to what they do, and Rob was no different," he said.

"He came in and wanted to do brilliant work, he put his heart and soul into it, and you just think 'what a terrible waste'."

Tensions Reportedly Rise at Preah Vihear Border

By Kong Sothanarith, VOA Khmer Original report from Phnom Penh 03 July 2009

Military sources said Thursday Thai troops have reinforced their positions along the contested border near Preah Vihear temple, adding tensions to a military standoff that has resulted in several skirmishes over the past year.

“A clash could have happened this afternoon, at 3 pm, but finally tensions were abated,” one officer stationed in Preah Vihear province said Thursday.

On Wednesday night, Thai soldiers arrived in five trucks at the entry of Preah Vihear temple, which is at the center of the disputes that were sparked when the temple was added to a Unesco World Heritage list in July last year.

Cambodian soldiers barred about 10 Thai soldiers from entering an encampment near Keo Sekha Kirisvarak pagoda, which has been occupied by Thai soldiers since July 15, 2008, the officer said, requesting anonymity.

“They came with their truck lights switched off,” he said.

Other military sources said Thai soldiers had reinforced positions near Ta Thao gate, at the entry of the 11th-Century temple, near two areas where fighting occurred in 2008, namely Sambok Khmom and Veal Intry, or Eagle Field.

Gen. Pol Saroun, commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, downplayed the rising tensions between the military.

Lt. Gen. Chhom Socheat, undersecretary of state for the Ministry of Defense, said the situation on the border was “normal” on both sides.

In meetings between regional military commanders Wednesday, the Cambodian side urged the Thais to withdraw troops from nearby the pagoda, Sambok Khmom and other areas around the temple, Chhom Socheat said.

Thai commanders said they would take the request under consideration, he added.

U.S. to provide assistance to reform Cambodia public financial system

PHNOM PENH, July 6 (Xinhua) -- The United States government announced Monday its intention to provide technical assistance to the Royal Government of Cambodia to support the country's public management reform program and efforts to improve fiscal controls and promote greater transparency in financial transactions.

The announcement was made after a meeting between Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Economy and Finance Keat Chhon and U.S. Ambassador Carol A. Rodley, and Michael Ruffner from the Treasury Department's Office of Technical Assistance (OTA).

"The assistance is designed to help Cambodia strengthen the enforcement of laws and controls as they relate to budgeting and financial accountability, banking and financial services, the insurance and financial industries, and tax administration and collection," it said in the statement.

It added that the financial management and accountability assistance programs were expected to begin within the next few months.

Ronaldo ready for La Liga challenge

Cristiano Ronaldo is confident he will have no problems adapting to life in the Spanish Primera Division.

Ronaldo was officially presented as a Madrid player tonight after passing his medical earlier in the day and then putting pen-to-paper on a six-year contract with the Spanish giants.

That finalised his record-breaking £80million move from Barclays Premier League champions and fulfilled what the 24-year-old revealed was a long-held dream.

"I am just so happy. For me, I have made my childhood dream a reality, which was to play for Real Madrid," he said.

Ronaldo's move to Spain brings to an a six-year spell with United in the Premier League, during which time the Portugal international won a host of team and individual awards.

Much is now expected of the reigning FIFA World Player of the Year at Madrid, especially as he now carries the tag of the most expensive player ever, but the winger insists he is ready for the challenge of testing himself in a new environment and a new league.

"I expect a different league of course," Ronaldo said. "I played six years in the Premier League and it's very difficult.

"It's faster and players are stronger. It's very competitive here as well. It will be interesting. I look forward to enjoying La Liga.

"I think I'm ready for this challenge. I eat good. I sleep good. I drink good. I think I'm ready for this league.

He added: "I am sure that I will be able to adapt no problem. I have some Spanish skills, Spanish language skills, I am compatible with the life here and I am sure that I will make very good friends here."

Ronaldo was also quizzed about what he might expect in terms of refereeing in Spain.

During an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca this weekend when he was comparing La Liga to the Premier League, Ronaldo suggested players get more protection in Spain.

However, he skirted the subject this evening, saying with a smile: "In England, there are very nice referees, but in La Liga you have unbelievable referees."

An estimated crowd of more than 80,000 crammed into Madrid's Bernabeu stadium for the former Sporting Lisbon star's presentation.

That attendance swamped the estimated 55,000 that watched Kaka's unveiling here last Tuesday, and is be lived to be the biggest turn-out for a presentation since a reported 75,000 saw the arrival of Diego Maradona at Napoli from Barcelona in 1984.

Ronaldo, who was sporting the number nine on his Madrid kit as he was greeted on stage by club president Florentino Perez, honorary president Alfredo di Stefano and Portugal legend Eusebio, said of his presentation: "It's been impressive, a very nice feeling.

"I didn't expect a full stadium and to come onto the pitch and see this was incredible."

Ronaldo is the third player to be unveiled by Madrid since Perez returned to the presidency at the start of June, following in the footsteps of Kaka and Raul Albiol.

Brazil playmaker Kaka was a reported £56million signing from AC Milan, while Spain centre-back Albiol was brought in from Valencia for a fee believed to be around £13million.

Madrid have also agreed a deal with Lyon for their striker Karim Benzema for an initial fee of £30million, a transfer that takes the Spanish giants' summer spending close to the £200million mark.

When asked about his giant fee, Ronaldo again insisted he will do all he can to prove Madrid were right to spend that amount.

"I have always thought that the best clubs, to have the best players, have to pay - so Real Madrid did a good thing. It was a correct decision," he added.

"I understand...it is not your everyday thing to manage these figures, but I'm happy to be the most expensive player in the history of football and I'm going to prove that they paid good money for me and it was worth it."

Swiss master marvels at achievement

Roger Federer admitted it was "staggering" to win a record 15th grand slam title in just 25 events after his epic win over Andy Roddick.

Federer won his first grand slam at Wimbledon in 2003 and landed number 15 at the All England Club by beating a gallant Roddick 5-7 7-6 7-6 3-6 16-14.

Watched by the man with whom he had shared the record - Pete Sampras flying in from California overnight to watch from the Royal Box - Federer saved four set points in the second-set tie-break before finally breaking Roddick's serve for the first time in the match in the final game.

The match featured the most games ever in a Wimbledon final, the total of 77 easily eclipsing the previous record of 62 set last year.

And the 30 games in the fifth set also surpassed the previous highest of 24 in a final, although Federer's total of 50 aces was just one short of the Wimbledon record held by Ivo Karlovic.

"It's staggering that I've been able to play so well for so many years and stay injury-free," said 27-year-old Federer.

"It's crazy that I've been able to win so many in such a short period of time.

"It was difficult because I thought Andy played great. It was so different to what I experienced the last few years with Rafa (Nadal), where it was a baseline game. Today it was a serve and return game.

"It was frustrating at times because I couldn't break Andy until the very very end so the satisfaction is maybe bigger this time around to come through, because I couldn't control the match at all.

"I thought the second set was obviously key to what came after. Being down two sets to love, the way Andy was serving, would have been a very difficult situation to be in."

Federer spared a thought for the unlucky Roddick, who he has now beaten three times in Wimbledon finals, and who had to hold his serve 10 times in succession during the epic final set to stay in the match.

"Tennis is cruel sometimes," added Federer, who finally made the breakthrough at the 11th time of asking by forcing Roddick to mis-hit two forehands.

"I went to some five-setters too in grand slam finals and ended up losing. But I think he did great. I think he's not gonna let his head hang down, I think he's going to come back strong and play great in the States.

"I had to play my very very best to come through."

Federer also revealed he had said hello to Sampras when the seven-time Wimbledon champion took up his seat after the third game of the opening set.

"Today with Pete it was a bit special," added Federer, who will regain the world number one spot tomorrow. "When he walked in and I saw him for the first time I did get more nervous.

"I said hello to him too, which is unusual, but I didn't want to be rude. I only got confirmation (he was coming) yesterday, but he promised me a long time ago he would.

"He hoped it was maybe going to be in New York so it's closest to him. He said maybe not Australia if possible. But I always knew he would keep his word."

Roddick admitted the second set tie-break, which he led 6-2, would live long in the memory and was difficult to recover from during the match.

"There's no way it doesn't cross your mind," he said. "We're human, we're not cyborgs. At that point, like everything else, there's two options; you lay down or you keep going. The second option sounded better to me."

The 26-year-old has now reached the semi-finals of the Australian Open and Wimbledon final since starting to work with coach Larry Stefanki at the end of last year, and explained: "It was to give myself an opportunity to win tournaments like this.

"I feel like I did give myself that opportunity today. It didn't work out but I definitely gave myself a look.

"He just makes it real tough. He was having trouble picking up my serve today for the first time ever. He just stayed the course. You didn't even get a sense that he was even really frustrated by it. He just toughed it out.

"He served great. He did what he had to. If he hadn't have served as well, I'd probably be sitting here in a better mood."

Adebayor in sights of 'important team'

Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor is being tracked by a "very important team" according to his agent.

Tabloid speculation has claimed the Gunners have offered Adebayor to both AC and Inter Milan in an attempt to prevent the Togo ace joining Chelsea.

The former tried to sign Adebayor last summer and former Rossoneri coach Carlo Ancelotti's move to Chelsea has prompted rumours the forward could also head to Stamford Bridge.

Manchester United have also been linked with a bid, but the player's agent Stephane Courbis says Arsenal's domestic rivals have not been in touch.

"As of today, I have not even got evidence to speak of presumed interest from Chelsea and Manchester United," Courbis told calciomercato.it.

"It's a given fact that Carlo Ancelotti likes the player seeing that last year he tried to sign him for Milan, although Chelsea have not contacted us.

"We have not received any calls, not from Milan or Ancelotti. Another team has contacted us, but I cannot say anything, it's a very important team."

Courbis also confirmed there has been no meeting with Milan and is confident Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is not looking to cash in on the £25million-rated former Monaco man.

He added: "There has not been any meeting with Milan for Adebayor and lately I have not received a call on their behalf.

"This doesn't mean Ade is for sale to resolve Arsenal's economic problems. I spoke with Arsene Wenger this morning and he told me nothing of the kind."

Fabregas is tired of life at Arsenal

Despite previously claiming that he would remain at Arsenal, Cesc Fabregas has intriguingly pointed towards a Gunners exit.

In an interview with The Sun, Fabregas spoke about the frustration he felt from a lack of silverware at the Emirates, and hinted that he will be moving to the Primera Liga to play for either Real Madrid or Barcelona.

"This year we wanted it, we were giving everything - but we couldn't reach the level that everyone expected of Arsenal," Fabregas said.

"When you win, you're well. But when you don't, everyone is in a bad mood. For four years now, we've needed a title to regain our belief in ourselves."

"The absence of titles at Arsenal is what angers me the most."

"Cristiano said he's leaving Manchester United because he had nothing else to win. For me right now it is the exact opposite, seeing the impotence here."

Apart from expressing disappointment at Arsenal's failure over the past few seasons, Fabregas also reiterated his desire to return to Spain, after seven years in England. He joined Arsenal as a 16-year old plucked from Barcelona's academy.

"My seventh season is about to start. It's a lot when you're just 22. When you stop to think, you see that time flies."

"In football, you have to learn fast and take the best decisions for yourself and try to be happy."

Sure to fuel speculation, he also added that his family, who are staunch Barcelona supporters, would still be accepting of a move to the Bernabeu.

"Of course my family would understand if I signed for Real Madrid because they love me, they want me to be happy and what is best for me. "

"They'd support me - whichever club I joined. My family will always be there for me - whatever decision I make. They're the ones who are always by my side."

When asked what he would do if he was forced to choose between Real Madrid and Barca, he said it was not something he could decide at present.

"At the moment it's not happened so I don't have to choose. For any player it gives great pride that those two clubs come to sign him. It would be a difficult choice."

However, Gunners' fans will be relieved since Fabregas added that this was not a way for him to demand a move from the Emirates.

"I will never do that. It's not the way I am. If I have to say I want to leave I will do it face to face."

"I am well in England, but what happens is that every player likes to win and at Arsenal we've won nothing for the last four years."

"If one day I'm not happy, I will be the first to tell the manager."

These comments will ease the worries of Arsenal fans a little bit, but this interview comes just a week after a Spanish TV appearance in which Fabregas lamented the atmosphere in the Gunners' dressing room as compared to the Spanish national side.

"It's difficult to explain how good the camaraderie is in the Spain team. I am now at Arsenal, where there isn't this social group which is so human, so friendly, a group of normal people like my friends. We don't talk about things too much," he said last week.

Arsenal will have to fight hard to hold on to Fabregas this summer, but even if they manage that, it seems like a move to one of the Spanish giants is inevitable for Cesc. Unless, of course, Arsenal manage to end their barren streak.

Manchester United target Nilmar

Man United are currently monitoring the situation of Nilmar at Internacional, and are keen on signing the striker.

United are allegedly in the midst of raising the £20 million needed to purchase the 24-year-old hitman.

Sir Alex Ferguson has reportedly singled out the Brazilian forward as Carlos Tevez's successor, after the Argentine international ruled out a return to Old Trafford.

Rumours from England have claimed that the Premier League champions sent more than a handful of scouts to the Confederations Cup to have a good look at Nilmar, but he has only made a substitute appearance for Brazil in the tournament so far.

Nilmar began his career with Internacional, hauling in 16 goals in 42 games in his rookie campaign. The Bandeirantes-born hitman then joined Olympique Lyonnais in 2004, but struggled to make the grade at the Stade Gerland.

The Brazil international then moved to Corinthians in 2005, scoring eight goals in 32 games.

Nilmar has now rediscovered the rich vein of form that once made him such a prized asset, scoring 15 goals in 31 games since returning to Internacional in 2007.

Murray "feeling good" about opener

Andy Murray adopted a low-key strategy for the biggest tournament of his career as he wound up his preparations for Wimbledon.

The world number three held his final practice session with coach Miles Maclagan on a secluded outside practice court at the All England Club, well away from the glare of the media and the hordes of autograph hunters.

And, after a longer-than-expected hit-out, he pronounced himself fit and ready to go ahead of his first-round match with American Robert Kendrick.

"I'm feeling good," Murray told PA Sport as he made full use of his time on the grass-court. "I practised for an hour and 10 minutes.

"I had a lot of practice last week so it's been good."

Murray, who had the best possible preparation for his assault on Wimbledon with victory in the AEGON Championships at Queen's Club, was planning to put his feet up for the rest of the day, confident that he is in the best shape of his life.

"I hope so," he said. "I'll see tomorrow, but I'm feeling good.

"I've nothing planned for the rest of the day. I'll just go and relax and watch some tennis at home."

Judy Murray, mother of the British number one, confirmed that big-match nerves will not be a problem as Murray prepares to carry the expectations of a nation into his home slam tournament.

"He is calm and collected," she said. "It's all very exciting but he's played a few of these big events and he knows what to expect."

Murray has won all three previous meetings with Kendrick, each of them in the United States, but has pledged not to take lightly an opponent who took Rafael Nadal to five sets at Wimbledon three years ago.

"I've played him three times so I know a lot about him," added Murray. "I'm not looking past him at all.

"He's a tough grass-court player. He obviously proved that when he nearly beat Nadal here.

"He has a big game, plays very aggressively and takes a lot of chances so there is no chance of me underestimating him."

Murray, whose quarter-final appearance last year was his best result at Wimbledon, is the 15-8 second favourite behind Roger Federer to win at Wimbledon following the withdrawal of Nadal.

And he will enter the tournament genuinely full of hope and ready to fulfil the growing weight of expectation.

"I have a lot more confidence now in myself," he said. "When the big points and important moments come in matches, I feel like I am going to win them.

"Whether or not my opponents feel that as well, I am not sure.

"I am just going into every match feeling and thinking exactly the same, not worrying about my opponents too much."

Blake goes out with a blast

As Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic sailed into the second round James Blake's miserable Wimbledon record continued as he crashed out.

The 17th seed, who has failed to make it past the third round in six previous appearances at the All England Club, was beaten 7-5 6-4 7-6 (7/5) by Italy's Andreas Seppi on Court Three.

Blake would have expected better having reached the recent final at Queen's Club and he was at a loss to explain his poor showings at Wimbledon.

"I was playing pretty well at Queen's, I thought I had a good chance to do well here," he said.

"This has probably been my worst slam and I don't understand why. I just didn't feel like myself out there today. Andreas played well when he had to and I didn't."

Following top seed Rafael Nadal's withdrawal on Friday because of tendinitis in his knees, Blake also took the opportunity to hit out at the packed nature of the international tennis schedule.

"When we're playing slams, it's three out of five (sets) but we get a day off in between. You're able to rest," he continued.

"(In) Masters Series you're playing two of three (sets) but you're playing six matches in seven days. That's pretty rough, especially for someone like him that's generally in the semis or finals of those tournaments.

"I know I'm probably not supposed to say anything about the schedule or about the ATP in that way, but it's just tough for guys."

Spaniard Feliciano Lopez was another casualty in the first round, the 21st seed losing 1-6 7-5 6-3 4-6 10-8 to Slovakia's Karol Beck in a marathon match on Court 18.

Federer, the highest seed following Nadal's withdrawal, got off to a relatively slow start in his first match on grass this year but upped his game to see off Yen-Hsun Lu 7-5 6-2 6-3.

The Swiss star, who will play Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in round two, said: "That was a tough first set. He's beaten some good players and I knew the danger."

Serbian Djokovic was given a much sterner test by Julien Benneteau, losing the first set before eventually coming through 6-7 (8/10) 7-6 (7/1) 6-2 6-4, with the Frenchman needing treatment at match point after slipping at the back of the court.

Thirteenth seed Robin Soderling, beaten by Federer in the final of the French Open two weeks ago, lost his first set to Luxembourg's Gilles Muller before triumphing 6-7 (4/7) 7-5 6-1 6-2.

Another seed taken to four sets was France's Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, the ninth seed, who eventually battled past Kazakhstan's Andrey Golubev 6-3 5-7 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/5) in a match lasting more than three hours.

Seventh seed Fernando Verdasco had an easier time of it against British wild-card entry James Ward, winning 6-1 6-3 6-4, while 15th seed Tommy Robredo beat Luka Gregorc 7-6 (7/4) 6-4 5-7 7-6 (7/3) and big-serving Ivo Karlovic, seeded 22nd, defeated Lukas Lacko 6-3 7-6 (7/4) 6-3.

Karlovic, the 6ft 10in Croatian who served a record 55 aces in his first-round defeat by Lleyton Hewitt at the French Open, smashed down another 32 today.

Karlovic's compatriot Marin Cilic, seeded 11th, eased past Alberto Martin 6-3 6-4 6-4.

Of the other seeds in action, German Philipp Kohlschreiber, the 27th seed, beat Florent Serra 7-6 (7/3) 6-1 6-4, 29th seed Igor Andreev saw off Russian countryman Evgeny Korolev 4-6 7-6 (7/2) 6-4 7-6 (7/4) and 28th seed Mardy Fish was leading Sergio Roitman 6-3 6-2 4-1 when the Argentinian retired.

Former semi-finalist Xavier Malisse was forced to qualify for the tournament after dropping to 170th in the world but his run was ended today by 18th seed Rainer Schuettler, who triumphed 6-7 (9/11) 6-4 7-6 (7/3) 6-1. Albert Montanes, the 32nd seed, eased past Grega Zemlja 6-4 6-4 6-4.

The tightest match of the day was out on Court 13 where Spain's Nicolas Almagro beat Juan Monaco of Argentina 6-7 (3/7) 6-7 (7/9) 7-6 (7/5) 6-4 8-6.

Federer turns on the style

The coat was military, the waistcoat was fancy and Roger Federer's tennis game was just as neatly creased and packaged.

Not entirely tailored to perfection yet, even if he did beat Chinese Taipei's Yen-Hsun Lu 7-5 6-3 6-2 in a Wimbledon first-round match which lasted one hour and 44 minutes.

But there was enough power and style amid the odd flake of rust to suggest Federer, whose liking for fashion saw him walk out in more white layers than the England cricket team, has arrived at Wimbledon with a sense of freedom after winning the French Open and equalling Pete Sampras' record of 14 grand slam titles.

It clearly helped that he had been given the job of kick-starting the championship on the new refurbished Centre Court with defending champion Rafael Nadal having withdrawn through injury.

Federer may not own the badge of champion this time after losing out to Nadal in last year's epic final but he looked like the champion. Clearly he felt like the champion. And he talked like one too.

"It is very special," said Federer. "It's a very privileged spot Monday 1pm, so of course I feel honoured.

"Rafa deserves it more than me this year but somebody had to do it and I'm very happy they chose me. Your heart's beating, that's for sure."

It did not show as he ripped off the first six points of the match on a new Centre Court which received his approval.

"I've played in different Centre Court stadiums in the past few years," said Federer. "Ones that didn't have a roof, ones that had a roof, but this one felt very much at home again. It felt good. It looks good too."

Feeling at home? That is not good news for the rest of the men's draw, although the likes of Andy Murray might have detected the odd chink in Federer's game against an opponent ranked 64th in the world.

But Lu's story is an inspiring one.

He took up tennis at the age of eight, only to give it up briefly at 17 when his dad and mentor died.

Realising that he was the family's main breadwinner, he took it up again and reached the second round at Wimbledon in 2004 and 2005 and the third round of the Australian Open in January.

He has also beaten David Nalbandian in the past and was the man who humiliated Murray in the first round of the Beijing Olympics.

So he was not without danger and after saving four break points in the fourth game of the first set he went on to break Federer's serve. It looked as if the great man was in for a tough afternoon.

It might have been, too, if Federer had not benefited from the aid of a freakish net cord in the sixth game to reclaim the break and then seen Lu attempt a drop shot in the 12th game, only to dump his volley into the net to concede the first set.

It was never one-way traffic but from that moment the trademark confidence was back in the Federer step as he began the second set in superb style, timing the ball better and breaking Lu's serve in the second game.

The serve, too, was heavy but it was the running backhand pass down the line in the fourth game of that set which announced Federer has arrived at this tournament riding on the wings of history after equalling Pete Sampras' record of 14 grand slams.

True, the gutsy Lu never gave up but as each game went by Federer appeared to grow more elegant, more ruthless.

And his verdict after negotiating the first round offered little hope to future opponents.

"Once you're in it, things are a bit easier," Federer said. "Your mind's right in the tournament.

"Thank God it hasn't happened in a long, long time that I've lost in the first round of a slam. If you're a great champion or not you just want to enjoy the moment and hopefully get off to a good start."

On that score it was mission accomplished.

Italy 0-3 Brazil

Three goals in seven minutes helped Brazil dump Italy out of the Confederations Cup with a convincing victory in Pretoria.

Luis Fabiano was the star for the South Americans, scoring twice to set them on their way, before an own goal from Andrea Dossena in first-half stoppage time sealed an emphatic victory.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter and England coach Fabio Capello were just two of the high profile spectators among the 40,000 plus crowd at the Loftus Versfeld Stadium to watch two of world football's heavyweights clash in a must-win encounter for the Azzurri.

Both came out with attacking intent and it was the Italians that strung together the first meaningful attack down the right with Mauro Camoranesi whipping in a dangerous looking ball that needed a last-ditch interception from Lucio.

Andrea Pirlo followed that up with a good corner that saw Riccardo Montolivo rise highest to meet it with his head, only for the finish to fly over.

At the other end, Ramires should have done better than hit the post with his angled shot from the right after being played in nicely by Luis Fabiano.

Kaka then saw his long-range strike well blocked by Fabio Cannavaro, before Robinho finally hit the target, with his shot comfortably gathered by Gianluigi Buffon.

The South Americans continued to press forward and had another half chance on 15 minutes when Kaka's defence-splitting pass set Luis Fabiano on his way, but he was beaten to the ball by the Italian goalkeeper.

Brazil coach Dunga was forced into an early change after an injury to Juan with Luisao introduced and the change almost produced a goal for the opposition with the ball coming to Camoranesi, who sent in a dipping 18-yard shot that flew inches over.

But Brazil still looked good going forward as Maicon floated in a neat pass onto the head of Luis Fabiano that was again wastefully off target.

Lucio was denied shortly after the half-hour mark - the Bayern Munich defender leaving two defenders stranded on the left only to see his shot deflect off Daniele De Rossi and onto the upright.

But the deadlock was finally broken in the 38th minute when Maicon cut inside from the right and slid a pass through to Luis Fabiano, who turned Giorgio Chiellini and finished low beyond Buffon.

It was 2-0 six minutes later after another quick breakaway saw Robinho and Kaka exchange passes, before the former dummied the ball for the Sevilla frontman to tap home.

The scoreline looked even more emphatic going into the break after the Manchester City forward was sent flying down the left by Kaka and his intended cross to Ramires was turned into his own goal by Dossena to leave the world champions 3-0 down at the break.

The game was much slower after the restart with Italy, in search of a comeback goal, failing to create any clear-cut openings.

That was until the 63rd minute when substitute Simon Pepe was played in, but he miscued his effort as the chance went begging.

Another flowing move followed with Pirlo and Alberto Gilardino drawing decent saves out of Julio Cesar as Marcello Lippi's team finally looked more threatening.

At the other end, Kaka and Robinho again combined with the new Real Madrid signing curling his 18-yard strike inches wide of a well-beaten Buffon.

Despite pressing forward towards the end, the closest the Italians came to scoring was when a rush of blood to the head of Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar saw him rush of the line, but Pepe saw his effort blocked.

The defeat and the USA's 3-0 win against Egypt saw the US advance by virtue of scoring one more goal than the Azzurri.

Big win delights Bradley

USA coach Bob Bradley was pleased with the energetic performance of his side as they demolished Egypt 3-0.

The United States appeared to be out of the running for the last four after losing their first their two games in South Africa, 3-1 to Italy and 3-0 to Brazil.

They needed a big win against Egypt, a Brazil victory and a six-goal swing over Italy to advance but Bob Bradley's men pulled it off as goals from Charlie Davies, Michael Bradley and Clint Dempsey saw them set-up a last four clash with European champions Spain.

The win meant the US, Italy and Egypt all finished on three points, well behind Brazil on nine. Egypt's goal difference was minus three, ruling them out, while Italy and the US finished on minus two but the States went through by virtue of scoring one more goal.

"We started the game with a lot of energy, which is something we didn't do against Brazil in our last game," said Bradley.

"We scored early and that helped settle us into the game. We talked at half-time about keeping up the pressure and trying to get as many goals as we could; knowing it was 3-0 for Brazil against Italy in the other game.

"We're excited to be moving on, it's a big achievement for us to be in the semi-finals.

"Egypt are a very good team, but this tournament is difficult because the time between games is short."

US skipper Landon Donovan was surprised but delighted with his side's progress.

"We thought it was our last game, honestly, we just wanted to go out and give a good showing," he said.

"We ended up playing our best game so far and we were calm.

"This is a really happy moment for this team and we just want to enjoy it and think about Spain when the time comes, tomorrow."

While there was delight in the American camp, the Egyptians was left distraught at their missed opportunity as they finished bottom of the group.

"I am stressed and angry about the result," said goalkeeper Essam El Hadary.

"We played very well against Brazil and we beat Italy, but today we were not the same team.

"We failed to go through to the semi-finals by a one-goal margin. It's frustrating, but that's football and there's nothing you can do.

"I had to get five stitches in my head, but that injury doesn't hurt nearly as much as losing this match. I am gutted, we all are."

Federer focused on title alone

Roger Federer will banish thoughts of creating tennis history as he seeks to regain his Wimbledon title.

Federer's victory in the French Open earlier this month saw him become only the sixth man to complete a career Grand Slam.

And a first triumph at Roland Garros also meant the Swiss star equalled Pete Sampras' record of 14 major titles.

The 27-year-old now has the chance to break that record at the All England Club, where he has already won five titles and was only denied a sixth in succession by Rafael Nadal in last year's epic final.

With Nadal absent this year through injury, Federer is the hot favourite to lift the trophy again come July 5, but the world number two is trying to keep thoughts of a record 15th grand slam at the back of his mind.

"In Paris it was just about trying to win my first Paris," Federer said.

"Then if it happens at the same time that I was able to tie Andre Agassi or Rod Laver by winning all four majors, or the 14 of Sampras, it was maybe very fitting that it all happened at once.

"But I didn't particularly enter the French trying to tie Pete's record. I was just trying to win my first Roland Garros. It's a very different approach.

"I think when you're down lower, when you have eight or nine majors maybe and you're trying to get up there, this is when you're maybe forcing it more.

"Since I've been very close, I knew I had some time on my side. I knew if things fell into place that I was gonna win more majors. Same thing here. I don't feel any pressure having to beat Pete's record right now this week, but I know that things are looking good for me.

"If I win Paris, there's obviously a very good chance I can also win Wimbledon, without underestimating any of the opponents, because they're all playing very well and they want to win the tournament here, as well."

In Nadal's absence, Federer will open proceedings on Centre Court tomorrow against Yen-Hsun Lu, and is now seeded to face Britain's Andy Murray in the final.

Murray is one of the few players with a winning record against Federer, leading their head-to-head clashes 6-2, including victory in their last four meetings.

"When it came down to the crunch we've played two times in finals, he played very well but I was able to beat him, prior to finals he's beaten me," Federer told BBC Radio Five Live's Sportsweek.

"I don't want to make excuses but he played me at a time when I had back problems (which) made it hard for me to call on my best performance level.

"He played me the right way and was very successful. He's a great tactician, I like to watch him play. He's a very tough challenge.

"I thought he handled the pressure very well last year. He also handled it in Queen's."

Murray comes into Wimbledon on the back of his first tournament victory on grass in the AEGON Championships at Queen's Club, and reached the quarter-finals here last year before losing to Nadal.

Federer added: "I know Queen's is not Wimbledon but I think he takes these things pretty relaxed.

"I think he's become such a good player now it's not going to affect him much and if it does it affects him in a good way."

Blast at Chinese factory kills 16

At least 16 people have been killed and dozens injured in a factory explosion in eastern China, official media say.

The explosion at the quartz sand factory in Fengyang county, Anhui province, happened at 0300 local time on Sunday (1900 GMT on Saturday).

The cause was not immediately clear, and the government was reported to still be gathering information.

Most of those killed were workers, while the 44 injured were all local residents, Xinhua news agency said.

The factory is owned by the private company Jingxin Mining, the agency reported.

City deny Robinho exit

Robinho will remain with Manchester City next season, according to chief executive Garry Cook.

The club's record signing has been linked with a return to Spain and a move to Champions League winners Barcelona.

However Cook told www.mcfc.co.uk: "Robinho has always been a highly valued member of our team and that continues to be the case.

"Reports suggesting he will leave the club, either on loan or on a permanent deal, are absolutely untrue."

Robinho scored 15 goals in his debut season for City following his £32.5million move from Real Madrid.

Reina: I'd swap clean sheets for title

Liverpool keeper Pepe Reina has told Chelsea counterpart Petr Cech he would swap all his clean sheets for league titles.

The 26-year-old Spaniard has revealed he and his rival at Stamford Bridge were locked in a personal duel to see who could achieve the most Barclays Premier League shut-outs last season, with Reina's 20 beating the Czech Republic international by one.

However, Reina, who is being linked with a £17million move to Barcelona, admits he would happily exchange that feat for a Premier League winners' medal.

He told LFC Magazine: "Of course I'd swap the lot.

"I had a little challenge going with Petr Cech last season where we would see who could concede the least goals.

"Despite our club rivalries, we are both in the goalkeepers' union.

"We would send text messages to each other about the clean sheets as well. I told him I would swap all my clean sheets for his league titles.

"All we want here at Liverpool is to win the Premier League. I would prefer to win every game 3-2 if it meant we won the title at the end of the season."

The Reds won the last of their 18 titles in 1989-90, and have been caught by arch-rivals Manchester United, who equalled their tally at the end of the last campaign.

Green tea 'slows prostate cancer'

A chemical found in green tea appears to slow the progression of prostate cancer, a study has suggested.

Green tea has been linked to a positive effect on a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

The research, in the US journal Cancer Prevention Research, found a significant fall in certain markers which indicate cancer development.

A UK charity said the tea might help men manage low-risk tumours.

Although previous studies have shown benefits from drinking green tea - including some positive findings in relation to prostate cancer, there have been mixed results.

In this study, Philadelphia-based researchers tested a compound called Polyphenon E.

They were looking for a number of biomarkers - molecules - including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) which are indicators of developing cancer.

They also looked for prostate specific antigen (PSA) - a protein only found in the prostate. Levels can rise if cancer is present.

'12 cups'

The study included 26 men, aged 41 to 72 years, who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and who were scheduled for radical prostate surgery.

Patients took four capsules containing Polyphenon E for an average of 34 days, up until the day before surgery - the equivalent of around 12 cups of normally brewed concentrated green tea.

The study found a significant reduction in levels of HGF, VEGF and PSA, with some patients demonstrating reductions of more than 30%.

Dr James Cardelli, from the Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, who led the study, said the compound, which was provided by the company Polyphenon Pharma, "may have the potential to lower the incidence and slow the progression of prostate cancer."

There were only a few reported side effects associated with this study, and liver function remained normal.

Dr Cardelli said: "We think that the use of tea polyphenols alone or in combination with other compounds currently used for cancer therapy should be explored as an approach to prevent cancer progression and recurrence."

"There is reasonably good evidence that many cancers are preventable, and our studies using plant-derived substances support the idea that plant compounds found in a healthy diet can play a role in preventing cancer development and progression."

'Keep progression at bay'

John Neate, chief executive of the Prostate Cancer Charity, said: "There have been several studies into green tea and its potential benefits, but there is, as yet, no conclusive evidence.

"The results of this study do suggest that there is merit in further research into the effects of extracts of green tea, both in relation to its impact on the prevention of prostate cancer and in controlling progression in men already diagnosed with the disease, as was investigated in this instance."

"These initial positive findings could indicate that green tea could have a place in 'active surveillance', where a slow-growing, low risk tumour is monitored for changes and men want to take something which could help keep progression at bay.

"Potentially, this could mean completely avoiding, in some cases, any of the more usual medical interventions and their associated side effects."

Bleak outlook for Woods

Tiger Woods endured the second-worst finish to a round of his professional career in tough conditions at Bethpage Black.

Woods finished his delayed opening round by going four over par over the final four holes, recording a run of double bogey, bogey, par, bogey to leave him with a four-over 74, 10 strokes behind eventual first-round leader Mike Weir.

In 230 professional starts the world number one has done that two other times, both in 1999 but at the 2007 Arnold Palmer Invitational at Bay Hill he finished par, bogey, double, triple bogey in his final round.

This was the first time Woods endured such a nightmare finish in a major as his title defence got off to an inauspicious start on Long Island.

But having seen his opening round spread out over 24 hours due to heavy rain that washed out Thursday's play, the American is bracing himself for another soggy day on Saturday when his second round will start under an 80% chance of rain and lots of it.

"I just have to continue to do what I'm doing and just hopefully clean up the round a little bit, maybe tomorrow, hopefully drive the ball in the fairway and get a couple of breaks and not catch 'em, but we'll see what happens.

"If it dries out more it will get worse.

"It's only going to get worse, unless we get more rain.

"And if we get more rain we won't catch them again.

Of his dismal ending to round one, Woods added: "I wasn't playing poorly.

"I was even par with four to go, and I was right there where I needed to be, and two bad shots and a mud ball later, here we go and I'm at four over par."

With Woods in the wave of early starters on Thursday that will not get their second rounds under way until Saturday morning, the defending champion felt he had been in the unlucky half of the draw as the late starters played in the most favourable conditions from late morning until evening on Friday.

Yet asked if he would have preferred to have turned around quickly like the later starters, Woods said his bad day had left him more inclined to throw some clubs in frustration.

"As of the way I feel right now, no, I don't want to go back out there right now. Probably would be a few clubs light," he said.

Like Woods, England's Ian Poulter was forced to play in the early wave and saw his first round dragged out across two days. The Ryder Cup star, though, managed to stay in touch with the late starters as he posted an opening level par 70 and he was willing to accept his fate in the luck of the draw.

"I don't mind," Poulter said. "It is what it is.

"Your draw is your draw. You can't think too much about it to be honest. It will be what will be.

"If it's going to rain in the morning it's going to rain and not much we can do about it. It's going to be a wet weekend from the forecast so just have to get on with it."

Poulter was more than happy with his opening salvo, given the circumstances.

"The golf course was playable but it was obviously saturated and obviously those holes on the back nine were playing longer than in practice.

"Good, solid start. I'm very happy, three birdies, three bogeys, and it's a nice start to a US Open."

Nadal delays fitness announcement

World number one Rafael Nadal lost his second exhibition match in consecutive days as he tries to get fit for Wimbledon.

The defending Wimbledon champion lost 4-6 7-6 (8/6) 10-3 to number 19 seed Stanislav Wawrinka in the BNP Paribas Fortis Tennis Classic at the Hurlingham Club in Fulham this afternoon.

The 23-year-old was trying to shake off the knee problems that have plagued him for weeks and forced him to pull out of Queen's earlier this month because of tendinitis in both knees.

The Spaniard lost to Lleyton Hewitt in his first exhibition match yesterday after which Nadal's uncle and coach, Toni Nadal, hinted the Wimbledon champion was still having major problems.

Nadal was due to hold a press conference at the Hurlingham Club after today's clash with Wawrinka but he ominously opted to change his plans and address the media at 7pm at Wimbledon tonight.

Car bomb kills Spanish officer

A police officer has been killed in a car bomb attack in the Spanish city of Bilbao, in the Basque region.

The attack happened in a car park in the city's Della Pina district.

It is not known who carried out the attack, but the Basque separatist organisation Eta has been blamed for previous incidents.

Eta's violent four-decade campaign for a sovereign Basque state has cost more than 800 lives. The group called off a ceasefire in June 2007.

The Spanish government had already declared the peace process "finished" after a bomb blast by Eta killed two Ecuadorean men at a Madrid airport car park in December 2006.

Sir Allen Stanford arrested in US

Texan billionaire Sir Allen Stanford has surrendered to the US authorities after a warrant was issued for his arrest on criminal charges.

The 58-year-old already faces civil charges brought by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) over an alleged fraud worth $8bn (£6bn).

Sir Allen turned himself in to the FBI in Virginia and is expected to appear in a Richmond federal court on Friday.

It was not immediately clear what criminal charges Sir Allen faces.

Dick DeGuerin, Sir Allen's lawyer, told The Associated Press he had surrendered "to some FBI agents who were hiding out in black SUVs outside the residence where he was staying in Virginia".

"He walked out and asked if they had a warrant," Mr DeGuerin said.

He said Stanford told the agents to arrest him if they had a warrant, but if they did not have a warrant, he would go back to Houston to turn himself in.

In February, the SEC, the US financial watchdog, described the alleged fraud at Stanford Financial group as a "fraud of shocking magnitude".

The cricket impresario is accused by the SEC of luring investors with promises of improbable and unsubstantiated high returns on certificates of deposit and other investments - what is known as a Ponzi scheme.

The billionaire financer has refused to talk to US regulators investigating his alleged fraud, and court documents show that Sir Allen pleaded the Fifth Amendment - the right to withhold potentially self-incriminating evidence.

In an interview with ABC earlier this year he insisted no money was lost by customers dealing with his financial services companies.

"If it was a Ponzi scheme, why are they finding billions and billions of dollars all over the place?" he said at the time.

Zlatan would cost more than Kaka

Ernesto Paolillo has declared that Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s price tag will be sky high, even more than Kaka’s €65 million transfer fee.

Paolillo also said that the Ibrahimovic will be sold if his future with Inter Milan can't be resolved.

"The value of Ibrahimovic is very close to the price paid by Real Madrid for Cristiano Ronaldo," the Inter club director quoted as saying by the Corriere dello Sport. "I do not know if he will leave, let's say that at the right price anything can happen."

The Swedish international has been linked with a host of world class clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea.

However, the Nerazzurri will not let go of their prized asset unless they get a world-record bid or a player-plus-cash deal where another established striker comes to the San Siro.

Valdes renews Barca Contract

Barcelona’s goalkeeper Victor Valdes has reportedly signed a contract renewal, quelling rumours of a move elsewhere.

After some serious speculation that Valdes was set for move due to an apparent breakdown of contract talks, the keeper's agent has said that all parties reached an agreement on Thursday.

Over the past week, as reports in Spain claimed Valdes had fallen out with the club over wage demands, and many reports linked him with Manchester United as well as AC Milan. The Spanish press also claimed that Barca were looking to sign a new keeper, suggesting Liverpool's Pepe Reina as well as Sebastian Frey and Sergio Asenjo were options.

However, according to reports in Spanish daily Marca, the Blaugrana's technical director, Txiki Begiristain met with the player's father and agent to come to an agreement after negotiations.

"The meeting is now closed" were agent Gines Carvajal's first words when he emerged from his office.

Carvajal strongly denied claims that Valdes was demanding 9 million Euros a year, and said that his client had reached an agreement with Barca.

The Spanish press have not yet speculated how much Valdes will now be earning but there have been conflicting reports of the length of his contract. El Mundo Deportivo claimed that the new deal will run until 2015, while Marca said it would end in 2014.

Barcelona are expected to make an official announcement later on Friday where details will be clarified.

"Madrid spending good for league"

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique has welcomed Real Madrid's spending spree, believing it will be good for the league.

After watching Barca claim an unprecedented treble of league, cup and Champions League last season, Madrid have already embarked on what seems certain to be a record-breaking summer of transfer activity to try and reclaim supremacy over their rivals.

The £56million signing of Kaka is already wrapped up, while a world-record £80million bid for Cristiano Ronaldo has been accepted by Manchester United.

Madrid are also regularly being linked with moves for the likes of David Villa, Franck Ribery and Xabi Alonso as the Spanish giants emulate the famous 'galacticos' era that Florentino Perez presided over during his first spell in charge of the club.

It remains to be seen which players Madrid are able to draft in by the end of the summer, but Pique believes it is a good thing that the nine-times European champions are attracting some of the world's greatest names to La Liga.

"For me it's going to be very good for the league, it's going to enrich it. Whoever wins the league will have more prestige," said Pique in Marca.

Although Ronaldo's signing has not yet been confirmed by Madrid, it is believed the final details of the Portugal international's contract will be ironed out soon.

Pique played alongside Ronaldo at Manchester United and the Spain centre-back admits Madrid are getting themselves a "complete" player.

"He has everything; he's good up front, is powerful, strong, fast, works hard, takes free-kicks in an incredible way...he has it all," said Pique, who is currently on Confederations Cup duty with Spain in South Africa.

"There's a reason why he's been the best player in the world, but one player does not make a team and we will see how Madrid work."

US unveils banking reform plans

The US government has announced a major reform of banking regulation to prevent future financial crises.

The overhaul will require big banks to put more money aside against future losses to curb excessive risk taking.

Consumers will get a special agency to protect their interests and regulate mortgages and credit cards.

In outlining the reforms, President Barack Obama described them as the biggest shake-up of the US system of financial regulation since the 1930s.

The US central bank, the Federal Reserve, will be given the authority to monitor major financial institutions.

The US President said the lack of oversight among finance firms prompted systemic abuse causing risks for both companies and individuals.

"We are working hard to build a new foundation for sustained economic growth. This will not be easy" he said.

"We know that this recession is not a result of one failure but of many. And many of the toughest challenges we face are the product of a cascade of mistakes and missed opportunities which took place over a course of decades."

New rules

The aim is to deal with the weaknesses that the sub-prime crisis and the financial meltdown revealed in the fragmented US regulatory system.

"With their proposals today, the administration has moved this critical debate from broad discussion to specific action - this is an important step forward," said Timothy Ryan, chief executive of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association.

He said it was a "once-in-a-generation opportunity to rebuild our regulatory structure so that our financial system is more stable, more resilient and better underpins a dynamic US economy".

But not everyone was so positive.

Peter Morici of the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland described the changes as "a huge bureaucratic overreach that will prove ineffective and too costly".

Consumer protection

In talking about the causes of the financial crisis Mr Obama said complex financial instruments were meant to spread risk but instead concentrated it.

"It was easy money," he said. "But these schemes were built on a pile of sand."

The changes are aimed at dealing with systemic risks that could harm the whole financial system, raising capital requirements for banks, ensuring that the government can take over failing institutions, and protecting consumers and investors.

A new Consumer Financial Protection Agency will be created and the Federal Trade Commission will gain new powers to protect consumers, as well as more powers for the Securities and Exchange Commission, for the benefit of investors.

There will be more regulation of hedge funds, securitised debts and over-the-counter derivatives, all of which have been blamed for exacerbating the financial crisis and leading to a "culture of irresponsibility" that dominated Wall Street, said Mr Obama.

"Mortgage brokers will be held to higher standards, exotic mortgages that hide exploding costs will no longer be the norm, home mortgage disclosures will be reasonable, clearly written, and concise," said Mr Obama said.

And shareholders will be given more power to question executive bonuses.

The reforms will also fulfil the commitments made by the US at the G20 summit in London to join in the worldwide effort to toughen financial regulation.

New institutions

The reforms will enhance the power of the Federal Reserve to supervise and ultimately order the takeover of any financial institution in trouble.

But central bank will have to gain Treasury Department approval before it can offer more credit to firms in "unusual and exigent circumstances."

It was the inability of the US government to take over Lehman Brothers that threw the financial markets into turmoil in September last year.

A new council of regulators, the Financial Services Oversight Council is to be created to co-ordinate the supervision of the banking system.

Meanwhile, one banking regulator - the Office of Thrift Supervision - will be abolished.

And the Fed will lose some of its powers to regulate mortgages to the new Consumer Financial Protection Agency.

Fight in Congress

The proposals for regulatory reform could face significant opposition in Congress.

Mr Obama has said he expected Congress to "work swiftly to get these laws into place", but warned that his plans would be a "heavy lift" because they faced opposition from "special interests".

Ethan Siegel, of the Washington Exchange, which assesses laws for institutional investors said: "I think that the Obama Administration has put on the table a politically smart, pragmatic and reasonable package, especially given the territorial politics of Capitol Hill."

But he added: "I'm very sceptical that they can get any significant reform through the Congress this year."

Mekong river dolphin near extinct: WWF

PHNOM PENH (AFP) — Pollution in southeast Asia's Mekong River has pushed freshwater dolphins in Cambodia and Laos to the brink of extinction, an international conservation group said.

The World Wide Fund For Nature (WWF) said only 64 to 76 Irrawaddy dolphins remain in the Mekong after toxic levels of pesticides, mercury and other pollutants were found in more than 50 calves who have died since 2003.

"These pollutants are widely distributed in the environment and so the source of this pollution may involve several countries through which the Mekong River flows," said WWF veterinary surgeon Verne Dove in a press statement.

The organisation said it was investigating how environmental contaminants got into the Mekong, which flows through Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and the southern Chinese province of Yunnan.

The WWF added that Irrawaddy dolphins in Cambodia and Laos urgently needed a health programme to counter the effects of pollution on their immune systems.

The Mekong River Irrawaddy dolphin, which inhabits a 190 kilometre (118 mile) stretch in Cambodia and Laos, has been listed as critically endangered since 2004, the WWF said.

Spain 1-0 Iraq

By Nabil Hassan

David Villa's second-half header gave Spain a deserved victory against Iraq and saw them qualify for the semi-finals of the Confederations Cup.

Spain were dominant throughout but were hampered by some poor finishing.

Villa fired an early volley into the side netting with Fernando Torres also slicing wide, while Santi Cazorla sent a low drive just past the post.

After the break Villa missed a near-post header but soon after powered Joan Capdevila's cross past Mohamed Kassid.

Iraq rarely threatened the reigning European champions although early on, Alaa Abdul Zahra sent a low shot from the edge of the area straight at Spain keeper Iker Casillas.

That was as close as the Asian champions came with Torres, Villa and Cazorla all going close for Spain in a one-sided first period.

Just before the break Joan Capdevila should also have done better with a close header while Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso tested the impressive Iraq keeper Kassid with a long-range drive.

After half time Villa's unmarked missed header should have been a warning for Iraq.

But moments later, the Valencia forward again found himself in between two defenders and he made no mistake by directing Capdevila's cross in off the post to open the scoring.

The goal saw him become Spain's second highest scorer behind Real Madrid legend Raul.

To their credit, Iraq went in search of an equaliser but despite enjoying more possession, they lacked the firepower to trouble the Spain defence.

Alonso forced a decent save from Kassid as did Juan Manuel Mata for Spain.

Late on Nashat Akram fired just wide for Iraq but Spain held on for the victory.

It meant that a 14th successive win saw them equal the world record for consecutive victories.

It was also Spain's 34th match unbeaten, one off the current world record held by Brazil.

Villa: I know where I am going

Valencia striker David Villa has already made his mind up about where he wants to be playing his club football next season.

The prolific hitman has been heavily linked to Spanish sides Real Madrid and Barcelona, as well as the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea in England, as financially-stricken Valencia look ready to cash on on their prized asset.

Villa did not go into detail about which club he would like to join, or whether he wanted to stay with Los Che, but did confirm he had made his choice.

He added: "My representative already knows this decision, and he is working on it. I'm relaxed."

Villa was speaking after scoring the only goal in Spain`s Confederations Cup victory over Iraq in South Africa, a result which sent the European champions through to the semi-finals.

AFA backs Maradona

AFA president Julio Grondona will send an official request to FIFA to change the venue of the game against Brazil.

The move follows current hosts River Plate's response to Argentina head coach Diego Maradona's complaints about the condition of the pitch earlier this month.

A couple of days before the 1-0 home win over Colombia two weekends ago, Maradona claimed the "embarrassing" state of the surface at the Estadio Monumental was worse than those in the shantytown where he was born.

The pitch at the Monumental was poor after a couple of rock concerts, and Maradona suggested that "the presidents of Real Madrid or Barcelona would no longer let their (Argentinian) stars play for the national team" if they saw how it was.

The River directors were stung by Maradona's quotes and have responded by lodging their own complaints about the World Cup winner.

And Grondona has now determined that Argentina should not play Brazil at River's ground but at the Estadio Gigante de Arroyito, home of top-flight team Rosario Central in Rosario city, 306km away from Buenos Aires.

Grondona told Radio del Plata that the argument could stem from Maradona's fanaticism for River's arch-rivals Boca Juniors.

"This is a matter of Boca and River, where River people complain against some comments by a passionate fan of Boca," he said.

"Unfortunately, it happened, but they are misunderstandings, expressions neither of the parties should have said. Maybe the AFA has some fault because we could have set another venue as an alternative.

"That is why we'll make the request to have another stadium available, a venue that meets the FIFA requirements.

"I've spoke to the president of Rosario Central (Horacio Usandizaga) to ask him for information about the condition of their stadium.

"They have made a number of changes and we'll try to ask for Rosario Central's stadium in case Argentina need it."

Argentina are playing the Selecao in September as they try to climb higher than their current fourth place in the South American Qualifying Zone.

Even though they are currently in the last direct qualification spot with four rounds to go, they are only two points above Ecuador.

Jewels missing after Lohan shoot

Lindsay Lohan is reportedly "happy to co-operate" with police over £250,000-worth of jewellery which went missing after a photo shoot in London.

The necklace and diamond earrings were loaned to Elle magazine by fashion house Dior for the shoot on 6 June.

They were reported missing two days after the shoot with the 22-year-old.

Elle said it had no reason to believe she was "in any way responsible". Her spokeswoman told US website Radar she had "shot her cover story and left".

"We haven't been contacted yet by anyone," Leslie Sloane-Zelnik said.

"Lindsay hopes they find the missing items."

The shoot took place at Big Sky Studios, near King's Cross.

A police spokesman said no arrests had been made.

"We had an allegation of theft made to us on 8 June and that is being investigated," he added.

"We want to speak to a number of people in connection with the inquiry."

Sarkozy jeered at Bongo's funeral

French President Nicolas Sarkozy was jeered as he joined heads of state in the capital of Gabon, Libreville, for the funeral of President Omar Bongo.

A crowd booed the French leader as he visited the presidential palace to lay a wreath at Mr Bongo's coffin.

Oil-rich Gabon kept close ties to Paris under Mr Bongo, but he was the subject of a French corruption inquiry in May.

After more than four decades in office, he died last week in a Spanish clinic following a long illness.

Africa's longest-serving leader, he will be buried in Franceville, his hometown in the south-east on Thursday.

'No to France'

As Mr Sarkozy emerged from a stretch limousine outside the presidential palace in the ocean-side capital, cheers turned to jeers.

OMAR BONGO Led Gabon for nearly 42 years Oil money means Gabon officially one of richest countries in Africa He denied corruption charges in French courts Allowed multi-party polls in 1993; opposition said they weren't fair Having a laugh with Omar Bongo Gabon teacher not mourning Bongo

Joining him, the French president's predecessor, Jacques Chirac, was also booed, according to AP news agency.

Dozens of onlookers yelled: "We don't want you - leave" and "No to France".

But the two men were reportedly applauded inside the palace as they laid wreaths at the foot of Mr Bongo's coffin, which was draped in Gabon's national flag.

The former colonial power has close economic and political links to Gabon, with around 1,000 troops stationed in Libreville, where French energy firm Total is an investor.

In his last months, Mr Bongo's relations with Paris were soured by a French investigation into allegations of embezzlement.

Two other African leaders who are the focus of the same inquiry, Denis Sassou-Nguesso of the Republic of Congo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Equatorial Guinea, were due to attend Tuesday's funeral in Libreville.

Gabonese reporter Linel Kwatsi, in the capital, told the BBC there had been anger among Mr Bongo's supporters in Gabon at the time over the Paris corruption inquiry and French media coverage.

'Our light'

The presidents of Benin, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Mali, Senegal, Sao Tome and Togo were also on the guest list.

Foreign dignitaries passed in front of Mr Bongo's coffin at the presidential palace, where it was taken last Thursday to lie in state.

Ali-Ben Bongo (centre) may not be the only contender to succeed his father

Thousands of Gabonese lined up at the palace over last few days to pay their respects.

The late president's 50-year-old son Ali-Ben Bongo, who is Gabon's defence minister and a favourite to succeed his father, said in a eulogy: "For more than 40 years you were our light," reported AP.

"We, your children, your family, we take a solemn vow to keep the flame alive."

After the prayer service the coffin was moved outside for a two-hour military parade in the capital's Independence Square.

Also present for the ceremony was African Union Commission President Jean Ping, a Gabonese who some analysts have speculated could be a contender in the forthcoming presidential election.

Rose Francine Rogombe took over as interim head of state last week and has 45 days to organise polls in the West African nation.

It emerged last month Mr Bongo was being treated in a Barcelona clinic, amid unconfirmed reports he had cancer.

The government said on Monday of last week that the 73-year-old had died of a heart attack.

Real expect transfer disappointment

Real Madrid director of sport Jorge Valdano believes the club face defeat in their bid to land a number of big-name transfer targets.

The Spanish giants have been linked with a host of players since Florentino Perez, who was first in charge during the famous 'galacticos' era, returned as president.

And they have wasted little time in rebuilding the team, swiftly signing Kaka from AC Milan before tabling a world-record offer for Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Valdano claims there will be at least four new faces to follow this summer but admits it will be difficult to bring in several other of their main targets including Liverpool's Xabi Alonso.

"It is always complicated to sign players, even though it may not seem like it by how fast we've signed Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo," he told Radio Marca and Onda Cero.

"With regards to Xabi Alonso, Liverpool made an announcement on Sunday and it seems to me they don't want to sell him, so it will be hard for him to end up playing here.

"I've always liked him, since my first time at Real Madrid. I did a massive effort to bring him here a few years back, we met with Real Sociedad but when I left the deal slipped into the background.

"Liverpool valued him at 18million euros last year because he wasn't an essential player. But he is now. They've given him more chances to play and he has responded magnificently."

Madrid are trying to build a team to challenge treble winners Barcelona but face losing out to their bitter rivals in their bid to snap up David Villa from financially-stricken Valencia.

Reports suggest Barca are prepared to pay around 50million euros, as well as offer players Bojan Krkic and Jose Martin Caceres, for the Spain international and Valdano admits they are not prepared to better that bid.

"If Barca have offered 50million for Villa, plus Bojan and Caceres, I would sell if I was Valencia because we're not going to try and top that," he added.

"We have been in discussions over the last week and there were disagreements. On top of money, they want a player and that was causing problems.

"What had seemed to be a deal on track instead became twisted. We don't know why the price became so high."

Valdano also confirmed they are unlikely to bring Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery to the Bernabeu, again because the price is not right.

Zinedine Zidane, who is an advisor to Perez, recently confirmed Madrid were in discussions with France international Ribery.

"Zidane speaks highly of Ribery," said Valdano. "And at one point there was interest but it's a difficult one.

"Bayern are asking astronomical figures and it's clear they do not intend to sell."

Lyon striker Karim Benzema is another player Madrid are being linked with and Valdano admits they will do their best to bring him to the Bernabeu this summer.

"Benzema is another great player," he continued. "But this is a very long process and we are going to take things easy.

"The start of the season is two and a half months away, enough time for us to look at what we do and don't need."

Madrid have come in for some criticism, not least from Catalonia, for the amount of money they have splashed around.

However, Valdano has defended the 160million euros they are set to spend on Kaka and Ronaldo, claiming it is to the benefit of Spanish football as a whole.

"Imperialism is a very big word," he said in response to criticism from Barcelona. "They (Barca) opened a whole demagogy which is bad taste.

"They are such good players that it annoys me others are making us talk about economy - it's produced an incredible effect.

"English and Italian football seem to have become impoverished. These signings will benefit the whole of La Liga."

He added: "They are signings you accept because the strategy of the club has taken us to them.

"But it is a long-term strategy, we started with a cruising speed that is impossible to sustain.

"We didn't ask (coach Manuel) Pellegrini: What do you think of Cristiano, does he suit your taste or not? It's obvious. Florentino delighted the coach with these signings."

Valencia: No bids for David Villa

Valencia president Manuel Llorente has revealed no bids have been tabled for in-demand striker David Villa.

Real Madrid and Barcelona have been linked with the Spain international, and representatives of both clubs have held talks with Valencia in recent days in an effort to strike a deal for the 27-year-old.

Cash-strapped Valencia appear resigned to losing their prized asset this summer but it is believed the final decision could rest with Villa, who is currently on international duty at the Confederations Cup in South Africa.

"Right now there isn't any offer on the table," Llorente confirmed on Valencia's official website this evening.

"Talks with Real Madrid finished on Saturday and now there other teams, like Barcelona, who have asked about the player's situation.

"At the moment he is a Valencia player and the talks that were held with Real Madrid have been concluded.

"We are going to take it calmly to take the decisions which best suit the club because in the last few days we have been in a whirl where some people think that we are going to sell all our players, but that couldn't be further from the case."

Bryant breathes sigh of relief

Kobe Bryant admitted "a big old monkey" was off his back after winning his fourth NBA championship, his first without Shaq.

Bryant led the Lakers with 30 points to their 15th NBA championship with a 99-86 win over the Orlando Magic in game five of the NBA finals at Orlando's Amway Arena, to seal the best-of-seven series 4-1.

Bryant also picked up the NBA Finals MVP award thanks to a point average of 32.4 points over the series.

But more importantly for the Lakers' number 24 it was his first championship win since the end of his partnership with O'Neal, who now plies his trade for the Phoenix Suns.

Many critics had questioned whether or not Bryant and the Lakers would be able to win an NBA crown again without the duo playing together, a question Bryant has now answered.

"It was like Chinese water torture," Bryant said.

"I would cringe every time (I heard those comments). I was just like, it's a challenge I'm just going to have to accept because there's no way I'm going to argue it.

"You can say it until you're blue in the face and rationalise it until you're blue in the face, but it's not going anywhere until you do something about it.

"That's the biggest thing. I don't have to hear that stuff anymore.

"I think we as a team answered the call because they understood the challenge that I had, and we all embraced it."

He added: "It finally felt like a big old monkey was off my back.

"It felt so good to be able to have this moment. For this moment to be here and to reflect back on the season and everything that you've been through, it's top of the list, man."

But the win was far from an individual achievement, as five other Lakers players scored in double figures.

Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol had double-doubles of 17 points and 10 rebounds and 14 points and 15 boards respectively, while Trevor Ariza added 15 points and Derek Fisher had 13.

"I think as team-mates we understand what kind of player he is, what he brings to the table, and we try to complement each other," Gasol said.

"I think what we've been doing well this year is understanding what our roles were, what our abilities are out there as individuals and make it work as a team.

"It really worked out well. I think we all understood how to play this game together and to take us to this championship."

The victory also gave the Lakers' Phil Jackson a record 10th NBA title as a head coach, surpassing the Boston Celtics' legendary Red Auerbach, who won nine in a 10-year period, while the Celtics still hold the most titles as a team at 17.

Jackson had won six with the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls and this was his fourth title at the helm of the Lakers.

"Having won 10 championships is a remarkable accomplishment, there's no doubt about it," Jackson said, while his Orlando counterpart Stan Van Gundy added: "You look at the guy's record, it's undeniable."

Despite defeat reaching the finals represented a great achievement for the Magic, who played in the series for only the second time in their history and the first since 1995.

That proved little consolation to Dwight Howard, who said: "The only thing you can do is look back on the season, look back on what we did as a team, personally look at what I did, just try to come back next year with the same fire and try to accomplish our goal."

Red Devils lust for Costa

Manchester United could be ready to swoop for Brazilian sensation Douglas Costa, his agent has confirmed.

The Red Devils have been tracking Costa for nearly two years after their South American scouring network highlighted his potential.

Now 18, the Gremio starlet is again under consideration by United, who feel he could help fill the void soon to be left by Cristiano Ronaldo's departure to Real Madrid.

Costa has also been tracked by the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and Inter Milan over the past 18 months, and Gremio managed to tie him to a big four-year deal.

But they are unlikely to stand in his way and the young forward's agent has confirmed that United have rekindled their interest in the wake of Ronaldo's transfer.

"They [Manchester United] have identified four or five possible replacements for Cristiano Ronaldo in the world, and Douglas is one of them," agent Cesar Bottega told Radio Gaucha.

"We have been contacted by several clubs some time ago, including Manchester [United], but by South American ones as well."