Tuesday, October 14, 2008

China's "forefront" role in South-South co-op hailed by UN

"China has been in the forefront in forging South-South cooperation," UN Deputy Secretary-General Asha-Rose Migiro told Xinhua in a recent interview, when asked about her comment on China's development since it embraced an open and reform policy in the late 1970s.

In the last 30 years, there has been a lot of cooperation between China, in its pursuit of the open policy, and other countries, particularly developing ones, she said to Xinhua Thursday.

"In the last few years, we have seen China engaging more and more with the outside world, holding meetings to forge partnerships, all with a view to advancing the social and economic agenda which definitely feeds into the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals ," she said.

Migiro said UN chief Ban Ki-moon also appreciates China's contribution to the priorities he has been working on by advancing the goal of development.

"China is a key player in the world... and has played its role," she said.

As a Tanzania national, the ex-foreign minister of Tanzania gave witness to the relationship between China and African countries, including Tanzania, long before she joined the Foreign Ministry.

"I saw it grow," she said. "It started in the 70s, and we saw China contributing to the economic development in many countries including Tanzania in the area of infrastructure development."

"Coming from Tanzania, I cannot but mention the immense support China gives to Tanzania and Zambia in building the railway, which is known as the Tazara, as many Chinese would know it by that name-- the Tanzania-Zambia Railway," said Migiro.

China has also supported education, water availability, engineering sector, not only in Tanzania, but in other countries as well, she said.

China is increasing its support and its coordination with other countries, she said, citing the recent China-Africa Forum as "one indication that China was really resolved in increasing its partnership with African countries."

The deputy UN chief also commended China for contributing immensely to the UN peacekeeping efforts around the world.

"I do hope that China will continue to engage positively for purposes of contributing to peace, security and development," she added.

Source:Xinhua

Cambodia to seek $300 mln from China for development

Cambodia will seek 300 million U.S. dollars from China to develop the country, Prime Minister Hun Sen told the Fourth Asia Forum here Tuesday.

Hun Sen did not mention whether the money was aid, investment or loan.

"I will meet Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao in bilateral meeting during the Seventh ASEM Summit between Oct. 24 to 25 in Beijing," he added.

According to the Chinese Embassy, the bilateral trade volume between China and Cambodia increased from 12.95 million U.S. dollars in 1992 to 933 million U.S. dollars in 2007.

China is currently the second largest investing country and the fourth largest donor country for Cambodia.  
Source:Xinhua

Lopez wants to be in next "Sex and the City' movie"

Jennifer Lopez wants to appear in the next "Sex and the City' movie."

The Wedding Planner' star was a huge fan of the hit U. S. TV show, and always wanted a cameo role, but is now hoping to be cast in the movie sequel. She is quoted as saying: "I adore the show and nearly popped up in the TV show, but then did 'Will and Grace' instead."


Singer and actress Jennifer Lopez arrives for the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Gala, "Superheroes: Fashion and Fantasy" in New York, May 5, 2008. Jennifer Lopez wants to appear in the next "Sex and the City' movie."
A source said: "Jennifer has got her heart set on joining Carrie and the girls. The bosses are trying to think of a way of fitting her in without it being cheesy." If Jennifer gets her wish, she wouldn't be the first celebrity to appear in "Sex and the City."

Actress Heather Graham and supermodel Heidi Klum both played themselves in past episodes. Former Spice Girls star Geri Halliwell appeared on the show in 2003, while her ex-bandmate Victoria Beckham is rumored to have been lined up for the next film.

Source: China Daily/Agencies

Cholera case confirmed in HK

The Center for Health Protection of the Department of Health of Hong Kong has confirmed a cholera case involving a six-year-old local boy.

A spokesman for the center said on Monday that laboratory tests on stool specimens taken from the boy who was admitted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital last week for suspected cholera have yielded positive result for Vibrio cholerae Ogawa.

The boy arrived from Nepal on Oct. 3 and his travel companions have no symptoms. He is now in stable condition.

According to the center, this is the fifth cholera case reported to the center this year in the city, and there were three in 2007.

Source: Xinhua

HK suspends German poultry import applications

Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety has announced the processing of applications for importing poultry and poultry products from Germany would be suspended with immediate effect.

"The decision was taken following confirmation of a case involving the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 on a poultry farm in the country," a spokesman for the center said Monday.

He said that the center was seeking further information about the case from the relevant authorities.

Hong Kong has imported about 1,400 tons of frozen poultry meat or offal from Germany since April this year.

Source: Xinhua

3 HK universities rank among the world's top 50

The latest Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings shows that Hong Kong University, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology as well as The Chinese University of Hong Kong for the first time ranked among the world's top 50, ranking 26th, 39th and 42nd respectively.

Harvard University and Yale University in the US continue to be the world's No.1 and No.2; while the Cambridge University and Oxford University in the UK, being both the world's No.2 with Yale last year took the third and fourth places.

The Hong Kong University, the 18th last year, dropped to the disappointing 26th this year. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the 53rd last year, jumped by 14 positions to an amazing 39th. Together with The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong occupied three positions on that elite list, following the US, the UK and Australia and tying with Canada and Japan.

Apart from three Hong Kong universities, Peking University also got into the list, ranking 50th.

By People's Daily Online

13th Int'l Biotech Symposium opens in Dalian

The 13th International Biotechnology Symposium & Exhibition kicked off on October 13 2008 in Dalian, northeast China's Liaoning Province, with the theme of "biotechnology for the sustainable development of human society".

Two Noble laureates, professors and scholars from 80 countries and regions participated in this IBS.

The contents of the IBS range from research of basic biotechnology, the development of application technology, industry development, to the relative policies of the government. This symposium also established the young scientist award for the first time.

By People's Daily Online

Returned Chinese students to exceed 50,000

The number of returned Chinese studying overseas will be up to 50,000 in 2008, officials from China's Ministry of Education said that recently.

Statistics from the Ministry of Education shows that in 2007, 144,000 Chinese went overseas to study, and the number of the returned overseas Chinese was 44,000, twice as that number in 2003.

According to the Ministry of Education, in 2007, the number of Chinese going abroad for study increased by 7.94 per cent, and the number of returned overseas Chinese was up by 4.97 per cent compared to 2006. Experts said that more and more oversea Chinese returned to China in recent years.

By People's Daily Online

Asian scientists discuss latest simulation technologies

Nearly 400 scientists from 15 countries came to Beijing to discuss cutting edge simulation technologies this weekend.

They were taking part in the 2008 Asia Simulation Conference and the 7th International Conference on System Simulation and Scientific Computing.

Simulation is an attempt to model a real-life or hypothetical situation on a computer so that it can be studied.

The technology helps engineers design complicated products, such as cars, planes or medical tools.

It is also widely used to simulate motion which improves athlete performance.

Tang Xiaoqing, vice president of Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics said, the goal of the conference was to increase international academic exchanges in modeling and simulation. It brought outstanding researchers together to share their expertise and experience, he added.

Simulation technology and high performance computing have become increasingly popular in engineering fields. Tang believes it's why international exchange and an expert forum, like the one held this weekend, are so important.

The conference was initiated by Chinese, Japanese and the Republic of Korea simulation academic associations.

Source:Xinhua

Head coach Liu quits Singapore table tennis team

Liu Guodong, who helped Singapore win its first Olympic medal in 48 years, is to quit as coach of the women's national table tennis team.

He has turned down a new two-year contract offered to him by the Singapore Table Tennis Association , local daily The Straits Times reported on Tuesday.

Speaking to the newspaper over the telephone on Monday, Liu, who is now on a short break in South Korea, called the contract "insulting and insincere."

The 34-year-old said the salary he was being offered did not match his expectations, however he maintained that its was not about the money, "it's about recognition and respect for the contributions I have made to Singapore."

"What they have put on the table is simply insulting and insincere. They are forcing me to leave."

He said the new deal would also take away many of the decision-making powers that a head coach should have.

"Under the new contract, the STTA would have overall control over the direction of the team. If I don't have any say, I can't deliver results. And if I can't deliver results, there is no point in me staying on," he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.

The Chinese coach, who joined Singapore team in 2006, will now serve his last day on Dec. 31.

Source: Xinhua

NBA in venture to build 12 arenas in China

The NBA has formed a joint venture with Anschutz Entertainment Group to design and develop about 12 multipurpose arenas in major Chinese cities.

The project was announced on Sunday at the O2 Arena in London, where the New Jersey Nets and Miami Heat played a preseason game. AEG runs the O2, and the venture will be equally owned by the two parties.

NBA commissioner David Stern did not say when the plan would be starting, or where the buildings would be located.

But he said the new joint venture will work with government bodies and agencies and local developers to oversee the design and development of world-class arenas and entertainment districts.

Stern added that they had already been contacted by many local municipalities and governments.

"We'd like to have the visits first before being able to come up with a list and see where the best opportunities are. We anticipate that in a relatively short order, we will have laid out a road map of a dozen buildings throughout China even down to some small cities."

The partnership will also manage booking and marketing of a wide variety of events including basketball and other sports events, concerts, family shows, cultural events, trade shows/conventions, and various live entertainment performances.

Where feasible, the arenas will be developed in conjunction with surrounding cultural and entertainment districts potentially comprised of restaurants, retail outlets, cinemas, hotels, residential areas, sports training facilities and smaller live entertainment venues.

The new organization will be equally owned and will oversee all decisions for each development including identifying target cities and project sites, arena design and development, procurement of naming rights and other sponsorships, securing an arena anchor tenant and the hiring of key personnel.

"AEG is the established leader in global arena development as evidenced by its state-of-the-art facilities in Los Angeles, London and Berlin. We are excited to partner with AEG in China where the popularity of basketball creates enormous opportunity," said Stern.

With the two NBA China games taking place in Guangzhou tomorrow and Beijing on Saturday, AEG president and CEO Timothy J. Leiweke said that they were anticipating more detailed plans soon with local governments and developers although it is yet to be revealed when and where the arenas and entertainment will be built.

"We expect within the next few weeks to begin a series of announcement on opportunities, partnerships and a vision with corporation and government officials." he said.

Source: Agencies/China Daily

Winless Rams upset Redskins, Cardinals win in OT

LANDOVER, Maryland: Josh Brown kicked a 49-yard field goal on the last play of the game on Sunday, giving the Rams a 19-17 upset of the Washington Redskins to end an eight-game losing streak over two seasons. Jim Haslett was a winner in his St. Louis head coaching debut.

It took a fluke play for the two-touchdown underdog to pull off the stunner. The Rams got one at the perfect time in the first half.

The Redskins overcame a nine-point fourth-quarter deficit and appeared set to win their fifth straight game when Clinton Portis' 2-yard run with 3:47 left gave Washington a 17-16 lead. But Marc Bulger hit Donnie Avery down the right sideline for a 43-yard gain on third-and-13 to move into field goal territory.

Cardinals 30 Cowboys 24, OT

At Glendale, Arizona, Sean Morey blocked Mat McBriar's punt and Monty Beisel scooped up the ball and scored from 3 yards. Morey rushed untouched off the left side of the Dallas line to block the kick. Beisel, a backup linebacker, picked up the ball and bowled over the goal line.

McBriar had to be carted off the field in the din of a crowd that included the usual large portion of Dallas fans.

The stunning play by two of Arizona's most unheralded players brought a conclusion to a game loaded with confusion, controversy and clutch performances.

Chargers 30 Patriots 10

At San Diego, Philip Rivers threw three touchdown passes and San Diego's defense stuffed quarterback Matt Cassel on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line.

It was a measure of payback against a team that had beaten the Chargers three straight times, including in the playoffs the last two seasons.

Rivers drew raves for his toughness by playing the AFC championship game with a shredded ligament in his right knee, but he couldn't get the Chargers into the end zone that day and they lost 21-12 to the Patriots at Foxborough.

Eagles 40 49ers 26

At San Francisco, Donovan McNabb passed for 280 yards and two touchdowns without his top two receivers and his best running back, and the Eagles' aggressive defenders forced three turnovers during a 23-point fourth quarter.

Donald Strickland returned a blocked field goal 41 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the first half for the 49ers , who went ahead 26-17 in the third quarter. They couldn't sustain that momentum in their third straight loss against a Philadelphia defense that repeatedly made stunning plays in the final minutes.

Packers 27 Seahawks 17

At Seattle, Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay's ailing quarterback, ran for a touchdown early, then threw two scoring passes in the second half to perhaps save the Packers' season.

Seattle paid for having to start No. 3 quarterback Charlie Frye. It looked inept on offense while dropping to 1-4 _ the equal of the St. Louis Rams at the bottom of the NFC West the Seahawks have ruled the last four seasons. Seattle was last 1-4 in 2002, its most recent losing season.

Rodgers, again starting despite a sprained throwing shoulder, was 21-for-30 with 208 yards as Green Bay won for the 10th time in 13 road games.

Jaguars 24 Broncos 17

At Denver, David Garrard completed 25 of 34 passes for 276 yards, one TD and no interceptions and running back Maurice Jones-Drew rumbled for 125 yards and two TDs on 22 carries.

The Jaguars also won at Invesco Field last year, thanks to a franchise-record 18-play, 80-yard drive that chewed up nearly 12 minutes. This time, they wasted no time in sending the Broncos to their first home loss since last Oct. 29 against Green Bay.

Texans 29 Dolphins 28

At Houston, Matt Schaub threw interceptions on Houston's first two possessions, but ran for a 3-yard touchdown with 3 seconds left. The Dolphins had knocked down consecutive passes in the end zone before Schaub ran for the score. The 2-point conversion failed, but Houston had enough points.

That drive was kept alive when Andre Johnson caught a 23-yard pass on fourth-and-10.

Falcons 22 Bears 20

At Atlanta, Jason Elam made the most of his second chance, kicking a 48-yard field goal on the final play.

Elam appeared to be the goat after hooking a 33-yard attempt wide left with less than 3 minutes left. The Bears took advantage of Elam's first miss in 31 attempts, quickly driving downfield and going ahead for the first time when Kyle Orton hit Rashied Davis on a 17-yard touchdown with 11 seconds remaining. Robbie Gould booted through the extra point that gave Chicago a 20-19 lead.

But the surprising Falcons, coming off an upset of the Packers in Green Bay, weren't done. With many fans heading for the exits, Gould pooched the ensuing kickoff, and Harry Douglas managed a 10-yard return to the Atlanta 44.

Vikings 12 Lions 10

At Minneapolis, a questionable pass interference penalty on Leigh Bodden put Minnesota's woeful offense in position for a 26-yard field goal by Ryan Longwell with 9 seconds to go.

Detroit outplayed the Vikings for the entire game in a spirited effort, but the Vikings got a boost from a call by field judge Mike Weir. Trailing 10-9 in the final 3 minutes, Gus Frerotte threw deep down the sideline for Aundrae Allison, and the ball fell incomplete. But Weir whistled cornerback Bodden for pass interference despite what appeared to be minimal contact.

Source: China Daily/Agencies

Loeb eyes WRC crown

AJACCIO, France: French Citroen driver Sebastien Loeb closed in on a fifth consecutive WRC world crown here after winning the Rally of Corsica on Sunday.

Finland's Mikko Hirvonen and Belgium's Francois Duval, both driving a Ford Focus, finished second and third respectively in the 13th race of the calendar.

The win means Loeb now takes a commanding lead at the top of the drivers' championship with 106 points to Hirvonen's 92, with just two rallies remaining.

"It's getting better and better. To win here in Corsica is a great moment," said the Frenchman, who won the first 11 specials to take a big lead going into the last day.

The drivers' championship may be almost sown up but, after a strong podium showing for Ford, the team crown is still to play for - and Loeb will do all he can to bring Citroen victory.

"We were much faster all rally and that's great for me and the team," he said. "We'll add another two more points to our championship lead. So okay, we'll see how we get on in Japan."

Loeb's record-setting 46th career win was also his fourth consecutive victory in the Rally of Corsica, nicknamed the "rally of 10,000 corners" for its testing course, peppered with tight hairpin bends.

It was also the Frenchman's fifth WRC victory in a row having already triumphed in the rallies of Finland, Germany and New Zealand in August, and the Rally of Catalonia in October.

Despite a difficult drive on the tricky, mountainous circuit, Ford's Duval was delighted with his performance, which included a 12th-stage win to break Loeb's dominant specials' streak.

The next rally will take place in Japan from Oct 31-Nov 2 with the season ender coming at the start of December at the Wales Rally GB.

Source: China Daily/Agencies

Alonso back in love with Renault after Fuji victory

FUJI, Japan: Spain's Fernando Alonso rekindled his love affair with Renault after winning his second race in a row at Sunday's Japanese Grand Prix.

The twice world champion was still pinching himself long after taking the chequered flag in front of BMW-Sauber's Robert Kubica and the Ferrari of Kimi Raikkonen at Fuji.

"It's completely amazing," a champagne-soaked Alonso told reporters after his 21st Formula One victory. "It's difficult to believe. I'm very happy and very proud of my team."

Alonso was a surprise winner in Singapore two weeks ago, triumphant for the first time in more than a year with Renault taking their first victory since his second title with them in 2006.

Sunday's triumph at a Fuji Speedway circuit where the Ferraris and McLarens were supposed to dominate tasted even sweeter for the 27-year-old.

"Obviously Singapore was completely unexpected after a very sad Saturday coming from retirement in qualifying," said Alonso.

"Okay, I won with special conditions with the safety car, but today we had nothing and we won again. I cannot believe it right now, back-to-back wins."

Alonso admitted that the first corner mayhem triggered by McLaren's championship leader Lewis Hamilton and Raikkonen coming together had helped his cause.

"I saw the people in front of me going quite aggressive into turn one," said Alonso, who started fourth on the grid. "I took advantage and put myself behind Robert and from this point the race was easier. From then we had some free air."

However Alonso still refused to commit to another season with Renault, who are hoping to fight off a big offer from Honda for the Spaniard's services in 2009.

"It as a great job from everybody in the factory and this result, these wins are for everybody," said the Spaniard, who rejoined Renault this year after a turbulent season at McLaren spent feuding with Hamilton and team management.

"But I said that I would make a decision after Brazil.

"That doesn't mean that I don't know what to do. I know what to do but I will announce it after Brazil."

Source: China Daily/Agencies

Nalbandian gears up for Madrid with Stockholm win

STOCKHOLM: David Nalbandian will carry the winning habit to this week's Madrid Masters title defense after claiming the Stockholm Open trophy 6-2, 5-7, 6-3 over Robin Soderling on Sunday.

The Argentine No 7, playing for the first time at the event, held off a fightback from Robin Soderling, who had been seeking to give home fans their first local champion since Thomas Johansson in 2004.

Nalbandian has started his autumn indoor season on the best possible note, which he believes bodes well for Madrid after the confidence-boosting victory.

A year ago, Nalbandian dominated the autumn European campaign, winning Madrid and Paris Bercy back-to-back with two victories each over Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

"I'm going with confidence, I've won my first indoor event of the season, so it's a great start for me," said the Argentine whose only other trophy in 2008 came on clay in Buenos Aires in February.

"I hope to defend my trophy. Madrid has some altitude, maybe 5-600 meters.

"But I'll have a few days to get used to it. There is no extra pressure on me, I'll just try and play my game 100 percent when I'm on the court."

Nalbandian fired 13 aces and broke five times in the Swedish final while Soderling put in 18 untouchable serves.

Nalbandian is thick in the race for the season-ending, eight-man Masters Cup in Shanghai in less than a month. But the 26-year-old is unlikely to make the trip to China, with his focus on the key Davis Cup final against Spain at Mar del Plata in his homeland.

Source: China Daily/Agencies

Jankovic wins third title in a row

MOSCOW: World No 1 Jelena Jankovic overpowered Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-4 in the Kremlin Cup final on Sunday to win her third title in a row.

Jankovic, making her debut in Moscow, broke the Russian twice to take the first set in just over half an hour.

The in-form Serbian, who also beat Zvonareva on her way to winning titles in Stuttgart and Beijing in the past two weeks, led 4-2 in the second but allowed the seventh seed to break back to level at 4-4.


Jelena Jankovic of Serbia reacts during an award ceremony for the final match at the WTA Kremlin Cup women's tennis tournament in Moscow on Sunday. Jankovic beat Vera Zvonareva 6-2, 6-4.
The top seed, however, earned another break in the ninth game before going on to clinch victory after 81 minutes when Zvonareva overhit her forehand on matchpoint.

"I've played her twice in the last two weeks so I really knew what to expect and was focused right from the start," said Jankovic, who pocketed $196,900 for her efforts.

"I dominated in the first set but in the second my concentration slipped a little bit but I was able to get myself together in the end."

The 23-year-old has been playing almost non-stop in the last couple of months and must keep going for another week before taking a well-deserved rest.

"I've worked really hard in the last three weeks, winning three titles in a row. It's not easy," she told reporters.

"But I still have my commitments to play next week in Zurich. Then, I'll take a two-week rest before playing in Doha.

"I've had a tough season, overcoming a number of injuries but I'm quite close to finishing the year ranked No 1 and I'm really proud of it," she added.

Zvonareva, who reached her first Kremlin Cup final on her eighth appearance in Moscow, said she could do little to stop Jankovic.

"It seems she had an answer for everything I tried," the 24-year-old Muscovite told a news conference.

"In the first set, she didn't allow me to play my game and I was lost on the court. And after winning the first set she was relaxed and just went for her shots."

Unseeded Igor Kunitsyn stunned Russian compatriot, and former world No 1, Marat Safin to win the men's title of the Kremlin Cup on Sunday in a three-set marathon which gave the 71st-ranked player his first career title.

Safin, who was seeded seventh here, produced 21 aces but all in vain as Kunitsyn won 7-6 , 6-7 , 6-3 in two hours 49 minutes to deny his mercurial countryman a first title since winning the Australian Open in 2005.

"Everybody knows Marat is better than me but today I'm the winner," Kunitsyn said.

"It's terrific to win my first title in front of my home fans and I hope I would be able to defend it here next year."

Both Safin, who played his first final since losing the 2006 Kremlin Cup final to Nikolay Davydenko, and Kunitsyn, who was playing his first final, kept their serves throughout the first set.

Source: China Daily/Agencies

Rooney ready to be Capello's utility man

LONDON: Wayne Rooney has told Fabio Capello he is prepared to sacrifice his attacking ambitions to be the England's coach utility man.

Capello put Rooney on the left of a three-man attack in the first half of Saturday's World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan before moving the Manchester United star alongside Emile Heskey after the break.

Rooney had struggled to make any impact on the left but responded to the switch by scoring twice as England finally found some rhythm to run out 5-1 winners.

Capello will have to decide whether to restore Rooney to his favored role behind Emile Heskey for Wednesday's clash against Belarus or keep the striker out of position on the wing.

It is a familiar predicament for Rooney, who has often been shunted wide by Sir Alex Ferguson at United, and the 22-year-old insists he is ready to play wherever Capello wants if it helps the team.

"In the first half I played more towards the left and the second half I was just off Emile," Rooney said. "I played there many times for United so I'm not bothered.

"I'm a lot more on the ball in the center and it's better to get involved in the play but it's up to the manager.

"I enjoyed the game, we could have been ahead at half time and we got the goals after. To be back scoring is nice but the win was more important."

Rooney's late double-strike on Saturday took his international goal tally to 17, but it was the first time he has scored twice in a match for England in four years.

Rather than dwell on the past, Rooney defended his goal record and insisted his England form is getting better with every game.

"I've always said my game is not all about goals and I'm pleased with my record," he said.

"I wouldn't really say my record is too bad. It's just outside one goal in every two games. It's not one in four or five," Rooney added.

"It's about performances as well as goals. I'm been pleased with my performances recently.

"When I play for United it's always been like that - the goals have all come at once and then a little break.

"I'd like to do it a bit more consistently and keep scoring throughout but that is just the way it has happened."

David Beckham made a impressive contribution after coming on as a late substitute but the LA Galaxy star is adamant he will have no complaints if he is consigned to the bench again in Minsk.

Beckham has been as impressed as the rest of the England squad with Theo Walcott's improvement this season and he believes the Arsenal winger deserves to keep his place on the right.

"I don't think it matters about individuals, Theo has been great and he played well again," Beckham said. "You can see what a threat he is every time he gets the ball and runs at players.

"There is no-one that can get near him. He deserves to be where he is and hopefully he carries on because he is an exeptional talent.

"I've definitely not worked on my pace. I've never had it so I never had to work on it! One of the lads just said that."

Source: China Daily/Agencies

South American qualifiers marred by more trouble

BUENOS AIRES: Brazil complained of hostile treatment in Venezuela and three players were sent off in Ecuador's win over Chile on Sunday to complete a stormy weekend in South American World Cup qualifying.

The incidents followed Saturday's vicious River Plate derby in which Argentina coach Alfio Basile said his team had been given a kicking by opponents Uruguay in their 2-1 win.

Kaka, playing his first international for 11 months, scored after only six minutes to set Brazil on the way to a 4-0 win in San Cristobal, restoring normal service after their shock 2-0 friendly defeat by Venezuela in June.

Robinho added two more and Adriano completed the scoring with his first international goal since the 2006 World Cup as Brazil overcame what coach Dunga said was a hostile reception.

"When we play away from home in the World Cup qualifiers, the whole country unites to try and make things as difficult as possible for Brazil," Dunga told reporters after their 18th win in 19 matches against Venezuela.

"They left us stuck in the plane for an hour and a half. Inside the hotel, we also had numerous difficulties during the night."

Ecuador striker Christian Benitez scored the only goal in Quito as his team beat nine-man Chile 1-0 to revive their hopes of qualifying for the 2010 tournament in South Africa.

Benitez had stirred up the rivalry before the game by describing Chile's attack as weak.

The visitors, who made their last finals appearance in 1998, were in trouble from the 20th minute when defender Ismael Fuentes was sent off for a late tackle on Joffre Guerron.

Ecuador had Luis Antonio Valencia dismissed in the 76th minute for a studs-up challenge and he was followed by Chile defender Gonzalo Jara in the 83rd minute for a second bookable offence.

The weekend's games completed the first half of the marathon 18-match South American campaign. The top four teams qualify directly for South Africa and the fifth plays off against the fourth side from the CONCACAF region.

Paraguay lead with 20 points, followed by Brazil and Argentina on 16. The trio already look as if they will comfortably fill three of the direct places.

Source: China Daily/Agencies

Qatari team wins F1 motorboat China grand prix

American Price Jay with a Qatari team won the 2008 F1 motorboat world championship China grand prix in Liuzhou, southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

Price posted a winning time of 52 minutes and 48 seconds after the competition concluded on Sunday.

Trask David, from the Trask Brothers Racing team, lagged 12.34 seconds in second place. Comparato Fabio, with the 800 Doctor team, got the third place with 25.75 seconds behind.

Lundin Pierrre of China's Tianrong took the ninth position.

Price Jay attributed his top place to teamwork.

"Although I ranked sixth in the pole position on Saturday, my confidence was not affected," he said.

More than 20 top F1 motorboat racers from 11 countries and regions, including the United States, Russia, France and Italy, competed in the China grand prix, the fifth leg of the 2008 F1 world championship.

The previous four legs were held in Qatar, Portugal, Finland and Russia.

Source: Xinhua