Defoe scores five as Spurs demolish Wigan 9-1
LONDON - England striker Jermain Defoe scored five second-half goals as an irresistible Tottenham Hotspur demolished Wigan Athletic 9-1 to go fourth in the Premier League on Sunday. Defoe stunned the hapless visitors and equalled the league's single match scoring record with a mesmerising second-half blitz at White Hart Lane after Spurs had gone in 1-0 up at the break thanks to a ninth-minute Peter Crouch header.
Henry considered quitting over handball - report
PARIS - Thierry Henry considered ending his France career over the uproar that surrounded the striker's blatant handball in last week's World Cup playoff victory over Ireland. "Oh yes," the France captain was quoted in Monday's French sports daily L'Equipe as saying when asked whether retiring from international soccer had crossed his mind.
Federer, Murray win Tour Finals openers
LONDON - Roger Federer blazed past Fernando Verdasco after an early stumble Sunday while Andy Murray marked the start of London's five-year hosting of the ATP Tour Finals with a three-set victory over Juan Martin del Potro. Swiss maestro Federer, looking to regain the year-end top ranking after being overthrown by Rafael Nadal last year, dug himself out of trouble to win 4-6 7-5 6-1 and join Murray at the top of Group A in the season-ending showpiece.
Collingwood and Trott lead England to victory
CENTURION, South Africa - Paul Collingwood marked his record 171st one-day appearance with an unbeaten century to lead England to a commanding seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the second match of the series on Sunday. The all-rounder scored 105 not out as England reached their target of 251 with four overs to spare to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match contest after the first game in Johannesburg was washed out by rain on Friday.
I almost quit during slump, says Westwood
DUBAI - New European number one Lee Westwood said he almost quit golf during a demoralising slump in form earlier in the decade. "I've been through a lot in the last eight, nine years," the Briton told reporters after winning the season-ending Dubai World Championship by six strokes Sunday to finish top of the European Tour money-list.
Sri Lanka paceman Prasad to miss second India test
KANPUR, India - Injured Sri Lanka paceman bowler Dhammika Prasad will miss the second test against India starting Tuesday but opener Tillekaratne Dilshan will play despite suffering a broken nose. Prasad, 26, picked up a hamstring strain on the final day of last week's high-scoring drawn first test in Ahmedabad and will not be considered for the second contest of a three-match series.
Invest in quality, Kenyon tells Asia kingpins
KUALA LUMPUR - English football's huge international appeal is not down to marketing or smart business techniques but rather the quality of the game, according to former club chief Peter Kenyon. Kenyon, former Chelsea and Manchester United chief executive, stressed to Asian football administrators at meetings in Malaysia that the quality of the sport will always be the key driver in growing support and appeal.
Final defeat fails to take shine off Beckham's season
SEATTLE - David Beckham said his third season with L.A. Galaxy had been a success despite the team being beaten in the championship deciding MLS Cup on Sunday. Galaxy lost on 5-4 penalties to Real Salt Lake after the game ended 1-1 following extra-time.
Wallabies savaged after losing to Scotland
SYDNEY has promised a full review of the team's dismal results this season including Saturday's first loss to the Scots in 27 years.
Beckham has option to own MLS team - official
SEATTLE - David Beckham has an option to own a future 20th team in Major League Soccer, the North American league's commissioner said on Sunday. Speaking to reporters at halftime in the title-deciding MLS Cup final, which Beckham's L.A. Galaxy lost to Real Salt Lake on penalties, Garber dismissed speculation the England midfielder might be involved in a possible Montreal franchise.