Hamilton quickest in Chinese GP practice

Former world champion Lewis Hamilton tops the timesheets after Friday's practice session for this weekend's Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai.

The 25-year-old Briton -- who won in China on his way to taking the 2008 world title -- recorded a time of one minute 35.217 seconds, a quarter of a second quicker than the Mercedes of Nico Rosberg.

Hamilton's McLaren teammate and current world champion Jenson Button was third with Michael Schumacher fourth for Mercedes.

The Red Bulls of Malaysia winner Sebastian Vettel and his teammate Mark Webber were fifth and sixth.

Despite his performance, Hamilton sounded a word of warning about his hopes of winning on Sunday.

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EPL: Manchester City vs Manchester United Live Stream

Manchester City left-back Wayne Bridge could face Manchester United in the derby on Saturday at Eastlands. The defender has recovered from a hernia operation, which caused him to miss five matches. He is one of four players who are in line to return with Stephen Ireland (ankle) and Patrick Vieira (knee) on the mend from injuries while Pablo Zabaleta is free from suspension. Bridge has endured a troubled season off and on the pitch and only returned to action against Hull in February after missing 13 games because of a knee problem.

Roberto Mancini wants to show the world Manchester's finest at Eastlands - and that means Wayne Rooney being fit.


Manchester City vs Manchester United : Live Stream

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Liverpool FC Up For Sale

The off-field bickering between Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett would soon be over as the partners have begun the formal process of selling the Premier League side. The Merseyside announced on its official Web site that Hicks and Gillett have appointed British Airways chairman Martin Broughton to take charge of selling the football club.

Hicks and Gillett, who have owned Liverpool FC the past three years, said in a statement that they have “decided together to look to sell the club to owners committed to take the club through its next level of growth and development.” Fans have blamed the American owners for the Reds’ failure to win a title the past four years. Liverpool last tasted a title in 2006, when they won the FA Cup.

Manager Rafael Benitez said the appointment of Broughton was a step in the right direction. Benitez has reportedly not been able to get the players that he wanted because the club is saddled by a huge debt, which now allegedly stands at more than $365 million. Meanwhile, Broughton said new owners could be on board as early as next season.

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Arsenal title race over after defeat to Spurs

Arsenal's hopes of winning the English Premier League title appear over after a damaging 2-1 defeat at bitter north London rivals Tottenham, who keep alive their hopes of claiming the fourth Champions League place.

Despite enjoying plenty of first-half possession, Arsenal could not find their way past a stubborn Tottenham defense and the home side took the lead with a wonder goal from debutant Danny Rose.

Teenage midfielder Rose reacted first to goalkeeper Manuel Almunia's punch out, hammering an unstoppable 10th minute volley into the roof of the net.

And Tottenham increased their lead in the first minute of the second half when the Arsenal offside trap was exposed and Gareth Bale found himself in space to slot the ball past Almunia.

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Chelsea go four points clear

A first-half strike from Nicolas Anelka gave jittery Chelsea victory over Bolton and sent them four points clear at the top of the Premier League. But it was evident from the laboured performance by Carlo Ancelotti's side that the title nerves are beginning to take hold.

The Blues had to wait until the 43rd minute to break down a stubborn Bolton side who almost snatched a draw in the closing stages.

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson insists the title is Chelsea's to throw away and, judging by the anxiety on show at Stamford Bridge, the run-in promises to be a thrilling affair.

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Adebayor quits Togo; ends international career

African soccer star Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed that he is quitting international football in the wake of the deadly gun attack on the Togo team bus in Angola in January.

Adebayor was national captain, but said on Monday that he no longer wanted to represent his country following the events which saw two people killed and several injured after rebels fired on the bus en route to the Africa Cup of Nations.

"I have made the very difficult decision to retire from international football," the 26-year-old striker told the Web site of his English club Manchester City.

"I have weighed up my feelings in the weeks and months since the attack, and I am still haunted by the events which I witnessed on that horrible afternoon on the Togo team bus.

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£1 billion price tag for Arsenal

Arsenal have been valued at close to £1 billion and a stand-off between Uzbek businessman Alisher Usmanov and American sports mogul Stan Kroenke is expected to ensue. Lady Nina Bracewell-Smith wants to sell part or whole of her 15.9% stake, valued at £80 million.

The insider said: "The shares are now worth £10,000 each. That would mean the shares alone would be valued at £650 million, and the club is carrying debt close to £300 million. That puts a price on Arsenal of almost £1 billion.

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Santonio Holmes Traded to New York Jets

The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded wide receiver Santonio Holmes and his personal problems to the New York Jets for a fifth-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft. The trade comes after reports came out that the 26-year-old could face a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s policies against substance abuse.

His personal problems aside, Holmes could be a big addition to the Jets offense, which already has the likes of LaDainian Tomlinson, Braylon Edwards, and Jerricho Cotchery to receive passes from starting quarterback Mark Sanchez. Holmes was instrumental in the Steelers’ 2008 Super Bowl win, where the wide receiver bagged the MVP award after getting the game-clinching catch from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

However, for every achievement that Holmes collects on the field is an off-field problem that threatens to prematurely end his promising career. Just last month, a woman accused Holmes of throwing a liquor-filled glass at her. Since becoming a pro in 2006, Holmes has been arrested at least three times on charges that range from drug violations to domestic violence.

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United's title hopes in the gutter after goalless draw

Manchester United's hopes of claiming a fourth successive English Premier League title have taken a huge knock after they were held to a 0-0 draw at Blackburn on Sunday.

United were missing talismanic England striker Wayne Rooney through injury -- and they lacked a cutting edge in attack against a Blackburn side who have also held Chelsea and Liverpool to home draws this season.

Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov, who has been overshadowed by Rooney's superb form this season, had the best chance to win a tight match with 10 minutes to go, but he shot straight at goalkeeper Paul Robinson from near the penalty spot after good work on the right from Paul Scholes.

The result leaves United still a point behind leaders Chelsea, but have played a game more than the London side.

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Phil Mickelson Wins 2010 US Masters

American Phil Mickelson  won his third green jacket  after ruling the 2010 Masters  Tournament in Augusta, Georgia Sunday, April 11, 2010.2010-Masters

“To win this tournament, it’s the most amazing feeling,” he said after clinching the championship. “This has been a special day. I’ll look back on this day as very memorable, something I’ll always cherish.”

His final birdie at the 18th hole put him to a finish of 16 under 272, the lowest by a Masters champion since Tiger Woods posted the same scorecard in 2001.

Lee Westwood from England placed second, Anthony Kim of the United States placed third and tying for fourth place are South Korea’s K.J. Choi and American Tiger Woods.

Meanwhile, 16 year old Matteo Manassero, the youngest player in Masters history and the youngest to make the cut finished in a tie at 36th place.

Mickelson grabbed the green jacket previously in 2004 and in 2006. Last year’s winner Angel Cabrera of Argentina put the jacket to Mickelson following the tradition where the last year’s winner will put the jacket to new winner.

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Ross Brawn backs Schumacher to make improvement in China

Mercedes team boss Ross Brawn believes Michael Schumacher can show improvement when the Formula One circuit moves to China next week.

The seven-time world champion has struggled to challenge for a podium place in three races since returning to motorsport's elite class, and has been outperformed by young teammate Nico Rosberg.

But Brawn, whose team won the world title last year after a scintillating start to the campaign, believes that the 41-year-old Schumacher has suffered from problems not within his control.

While Rosberg claimed third place in Malaysia, Schumacher was forced to retire with a wheel nut problem.

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Barcelona cruise to El Clasico win

Barcelona struck a potentially decisive blow in the Primera Division title race by ending Real Madrid's perfect home record to go three points clear at the summit.

Lionel Messi's 40th goal of the season in all competitions put the reigning Spanish and European champions on the road to victory in 'El Clasico', and Pedro Rodriguez completed the scoring 10 minutes after half-time.

The result ended Madrid's 12-match winning streak in La Liga and their 100% record at the Bernabeu, which had stood at 15 successive triumphs, but more importantly it put Barca in pole position to retain their league crown.

Not only are they three points clear of Madrid with seven games to go, but they also boast the better head-to-head record if the two clubs should finish level.

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Youngest Player to Make a Cut in US Masters

Italian Matteo Manassero broke the record for youngest player to make a cut in the US Masters. He is 16.Matteo-Manassero

His record stands at 16 years, 11 months and 22 days old (yes, he’s 10 days shy of turning 17 years old). He is also the youngest athlete to play in the US Masters and the youngest winner of the British Amateur Championship when he ruled it last year.

The previous holder was Bobby Cole who was almost 18 when he made it in 1967.

He scored 71, 76 and 73 in the first three rounds to make the cut. The 5-foot, 11-inch, Verona, Italy resident is the only amateur to survive the cut therefore guaranteeing him for top amateur honors.

Manassero is planning to turn professional by the first week of May when he plays at the Italian Open. Asked about winning the Masters someday, he replied, “I’m dreaming about being the Masters champion… At what age, I don’t mind, actually.”

The teenager, who was introduced to golf at the age of three, also played football during his younger years and is a great fan of AC Milan.

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La Liga: Real Madrid vs Barcelona Live Stream

Real Madrid and Barcelona will both be looking to strike a major blow in the Primera Division title race on Saturday night when the two Spanish superpowers go toe-to-toe in what will be the 80th 'Clasico' between the arch rivals at the Bernabeu.

Although Madrid hold the clear upper hand in previous editions of this fixture, winning 50 of the 79 encounters in front of their own fans and losing just 15, there is precious little separating the two teams heading into the match.

Both are locked on 77 points at the top of the standings and Madrid are only ahead due to a goal difference of plus one.

However, with Barca having won the first meeting 1-0 at the Nou Camp in November they only need a draw to take over at the summit on head-to-head record.

Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Live Stream

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Half a Million World Cup tickets still available

With 62 days to go before the football World Cup opens, FIFA - the sport's governing body - and the South African local organizing committee are pleading with South Africans to buy the remaining 500,000 tickets that have been made available.

The tickets are for 63 matches, excluding the final, and will go on sale April 15.

It has become clear that fewer than the 450,000 foreign visitors initially expected will be coming to Africa's first World Cup. A significant number of the tickets that have been made available come from FIFA and its affiliates that have decided not to use them.

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Tiger just two strokes behind on Masters leader

Fred Couples led a crowded field after the opening round of the Masters, but all eyes were on Tiger Woods, who trailed by just two strokes.

Woods finished Thursday 4-under par, his best opening round score at the Masters, according to the Press Association. The 50-year-old Couples sat atop a crowded and veteran field; 11 players were within two strokes of each other at the top, including 60-year-old Tom Watson, who was just a stroke behind Couples.

But almost all attention was cast on world No. 1 Woods, who returned to the game after taking a break last November, when revelations of extramarital affairs were made public.

He spent 45 days at a rehabilitation center for what the golfer called "personal" issues before announcing he was ending his self-enforced exile from the game ahead of the year's opening major tournament.

Woods was welcomed on to the first tee by a crowd of thousands and was greeted with cheers, and a few jeers, as his name was announced. He showed few signs of nerves as he thumped his drive 300 yards down the middle of the fairway to signal his return to golf.

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Liverpoll struck 4 pass Benfica to reach the Europa League semi-finals

Fernando Torres struck twice as Liverpool produced a devastating attacking performance to power past Benfica into the Europa League semi-finals.

Dirk Kuyt and Lucas were also on target on a pulsating night at Anfield as the Reds overturned a 2-1 deficit from the first leg of their quarter-final tie.

Their first-leg nemesis Oscar Cardozo threatened to make life difficult with a goal that made it 3-1 on the night but Torres' second delightful finish ended the contest.

It was a performance that came in marked contrast to Liverpool's struggles in the Barclays Premier League and their increasingly forlorn attempts to finish fourth.

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Manchester United signsMexican striker Javier Hernandez

Manchester United have announced a deal to sign striker Javier Hernandez from Mexican side Chivas for an undisclosed fee, reported to be around £6 million.

Hernandez, 21, has agreed personal terms and passed a medical but is still awaiting a work permit. Should a permit be granted, he will join United in July after the Mexico international returns from the World Cup.

As part of the deal, United will play a friendly at the Chivas Stadium ahead of the 2010-11 season.

Sir Alex Ferguson told the club's official website: "I am delighted to reach agreement with Chivas to bring such an exciting young striker, who has been in such prolific form for both his club and his country.

"He will be a great addition to our squad and we look forward to welcoming our first Mexican player in the summer. We are equally excited to play our first game in Mexico, opening the magnificent new Chivas Stadium in July."

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Augusta Chairman Billy Payne says Woods 'disappointed all of us'

On Wednesday, after rattling off a number of changes to the tournament in his opening remarks, Payne took on the topic that has shadowed the Masters like no other: the return of Tiger Woods.

"We are aware of the significance this week to a very special player," Payne began. "As he ascended in our rankings of the world's great golfers, he became an example to our kids that success is directly attributable to hard work and effort.

"But as he now says himself, he forgot in the process to remember that with fame and fortune comes responsibility, not invisibility. It is not simply the degree of his conduct that is so egregious here; it is the fact that he disappointed all of us, and more importantly, our kids and our grandkids. Our hero did not live up to the expectations of the role model we saw for our children."

The room was silent as Payne continued.

"Is there a way forward?" he said. "I hope yes, I think yes. But certainly his future will never again be measured only by his performance against par, but measured by the sincerity of his efforts to change. I hope he now realizes that every kid he passes on the course wants his swing, but would settle for his smile."

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Martina Navratilova Has Breast Cancer

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The disease was detected early, and the prognosis is said to be excellent.

She was diagnosed with a non-invasive form of breast cancer called ductal carcinoma in situ, or DCIS, which in her case was confined to the milk ducts and had not spread to the breast tissue. "It was the best-case scenario you could imagine for detecting breast cancer," Dr. Mindy Nagle, a good friend of Navratilova's (and her ob gyn), said.

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