Tennis Champ Sharapova in Santiago

Maria Sharapova of Russia smiles during a news conference in Santiago December 1, 2009. Sharapova is in Chile to take part in an exhibition tennis match against Argentina's Gisela Dulko on December 2.

Maria Sharapova of Russia poses for the media after a news conference in Santiago December 1, 2009. Sharapova is in Chile to take part in an exhibition tennis match against Argentina's Gisela Dulko on December 2.

Maria Sharapova of Russia appears in Santiago December 1, 2009. Sharapova is in Chile to take part in an exhibition tennis match against Argentina's Gisela Dulko on December 2.

Maria Sharapova of Russia poses for the media after a news conference in Santiago December 1, 2009. Sharapova is in Chile to take part in an exhibition tennis match against Argentina's Gisela Dulko on December 2.

Maria Sharapova of Russia listens during a news conference in Santiago December 1, 2009. Sharapova is in Chile to take part in an exhibition tennis match against Argentina's Gisela Dulko on December 2.
(Xinhua Photo)
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Kenya's former Commonwealth Games champion dies

NAIROBI, Dec. 1 -- Kenya's Patrick Konchellah, the 1994 Commonwealth Games champion, has died in Rift Valley where he was recouping. He was 41.

Konchellah will be most remembered for his achievement on the track especially in 1994 when he clinched the gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.

Born on April 20, 1968, in Kilgoris to a comparatively "progressive" Konchellahs' family -- his uncle was a prominent Member of Parliament -- Patrick passed away Sunday morning after over two months struggle with cancer of stomach.

Together with his elder brother Billy Konchellah, a two-time world champion in 800m, they epitomized Maasai domination in the two-lap race, both in the country and internationally where through them, Kenya has won several accolades.

Henry Longfellow, a U.S. poet once said, when a great man dies, for years the light he leaves behind him, shines on the paths of men.

Patrick light will certainly shine in the path of World Junior 800m finalist in Bydgoszcz, Felix Konchellah, who is one of the six children and a widow that Patrick leaves behind from his two marriages.

"It is a blow to us. We were not expecting him to die suddenly because he had shown improvements in his struggle with the disease. But that is it, he is gone and all we are left with are fond memories of his action. He was a very generous man," said Billy.

Athletics Kenya Chairman Isaiah Kiplagat expressed his shock on the death of Patrick and extended his condolences to the family and friends during this hard time.

"It is with great shock that we learnt of his death. He was a great athlete of course coming from a family with strong roots in athletics. He had a bright future in the sport and could have been a great coach or talent searcher in the Maasai had he lived longer," said Kiplagat.

Patrick's life will however, not lack controversies. He was primed to succeed his brother Billy as the new world champion but problems with beer caused him an early retirement after he won Kenyan trials for the 2000 Sydney Olympics, but ailed and missed the Olympics. He never recovered to gain his form.

"He had his weakness, but over and all, he will be remembered for his philanthropic aspect. He wanted all to succeed and would go an extra mile to encourage others to train as hard as he did so they would succeed in top races," said Billy.

A third born in a family of ten -- brother Billy is the eldest with a sister Jane in between -- Patrick only had one chance to compete against his elder brother in a top athletics meeting in Hengelo in 2000 before he hung up his spikes.
(Xinhua)
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Highway patrol statement on Woods' car accident

The U.S. golfer Tiger Woods attends a press meeting ahead of HSBC golf tournament in Shanghai, China, in this file photo taken on Nov. 8, 2005. Tiger Woods was caught in a car accident near Orlando, Florida, the U.S., in early morning of Nov. 27, 2009. But he was released from hospital with no serious injuries, said Windermere Mayor Gary Bruhn on Friday afternoon.

NEW YORK, Dec. 1 -- Following is the statement released by the Florida Highway Patrol about Tiger Woods' one-car accident last Friday:

The Florida Highway Patrol has concluded its investigation of the vehicle crash involving Mr. Tiger Woods. The investigation has determined that Mr. Woods is at fault in the crash. This afternoon, FHP issued a uniform traffic citation for careless driving to Mr. Woods.

Any person operating a vehicle upon the streets and highways within the state is required by law to drive in a careful and prudent manner so as not to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person. Failure to drive in such a manner is defined as careless driving. Careless driving is a moving violation and upon conviction may result in a fine of 164 dollars and four points on a driver's record.

This was a single vehicle crash, with a single occupant. Unfortunately, it is one of thousands that occur in our state each year. Mr. Woods has satisfied the requirements of Florida law by providing his driver license, registration and proof of insurance to us. With the issuance of the citation, the Florida Highway Patrol has completed its investigation into this matter.

The FHP is not pursing criminal charges in this matter, nor is there any testimony or other evidence to support additional charges of any kind. After reviewing the evidence available to us, and in consultation with the Office of State Attorney Lawson Lamar, it was determined that there was insufficient evidence available to issue a subpoena for additional medical information that may exist in this case. We cannot speak to the existence of any blood evidence, nor are there claims of domestic violence by any individual.

The Florida Highway Patrol will not conduct additional press conferences or interviews on this matter.

A copy of the crash investigation report is a matter of public record and will be finalized and available to members of the media by noon tomorrow for 10 dollars. Additionally, a supplemental package of all photographs taken at the scene is available as a matter of public record for a fee of 105 dollars. Media representatives wishing to obtain these documents in person may contact the Florida Highway Patrol Office located at 133 South Semoran Blvd., Suite A, Orlando, FL 32807.
(Xinhua/Fan Jun)
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Serena fined 175,000 dollars for U.S. Open outburst

Serena Williams of the U.S. yells at a line judge after being called for a foot foul during her semi-final match against Kim Clijsters of Belgium at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, in this file image from September 12, 2009. World number one ranked Williams has been fined $175,000 and put on probation for two years for her foul-mouthed tirade at the U.S. Open, the Grand Slam Committee said November 30, 2009. The committee said a further major offense at a grand slam in the next two years would see her suspended from the U.S. Open in 2010, 2011 or 2012. The fine will be reduced to $82,500 if she commits no further major offense through 2011.

LONDON, Nov. 30 -- World No. 1 Serena Williams has been fined 175,000 dollars and put on probation for two years for her outburst upon the judge at the U.S. Open, the Grand Slam Committee said on Monday.

The committee said a further major offense at a grand slam in the next two years would see her suspended from the U.S. Open in 2010, 2011 or 2012.

The fine will be reduced to 82,500 dollars if she commits no further major offense through 2011.

Williams's outburst was prompted by an incident in her semi-final against eventual champion Kim Clijsters at Flushing Meadow in September.

Trailing 4-6, 5-6 15-30, Williams hit a second serve but the line judge called her for a foot-fault, meaning the American had served a double-fault to go match point down.

Astounded by the verdict, Williams launched into an expletive rant at the official. She waved her racket in the lineswoman's direction and then shook a ball in her clenched fist as she threatened to "shove it down" her throat.

"On 9 November 2009, the Grand Slam Committee administrator determined Serena Williams had committed the grand slam major offense of aggravated behavior for her misconduct at the 2009 U.S. Open," the committee said in a statement.

The committee, who are responsible for organizing the four grand slam events, met on Saturday with ITF president Francesco Ricci Bitti at the World Tour Finals in London to discuss administrator Bill Babcock's recommended punishment.

Having already received a warning earlier in the match for smashing a racket, Williams was handed an automatic point penalty for a second violation which abruptly ended the match, giving Belgian Clijsters a 6-4 7-5 victory.

The 11-times grand slam champion issued a statement on the day of the incident apologizing for her behavior, saying she had "handled the situation poorly" although she declined to apologize directly to the line judge.

Such was the fall-out that an automatic ban, possibly even from January's Australian Open, a grand slam she won this year, had been an option.

The only precedent for a player being banned from a grand slam event was when American Jeff Tarango walked off during a match at Wimbledon in 1995 before launching into a verbal attack when he accused umpire Bruno Rebeuh of being corrupt.

As a result, Tarango was fined a then record 63,000 dollars and banned from the following year's Wimbledon.
(Reuters)
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Car accident "my fault": Woods

NEW YORK, Nov. 29 -- Golf Superstar Tiger Woods canceled another meeting with state troopers and posted a statement on his Web site on Sunday saying the car accident two days ago was "his fault", but failed to elaborate the rumored "seriously injured" crash that sent him to a hospital.

In a statement posted on his Web site, Woods took responsibility for the accident.

"This situation is my fault, and it's obviously embarrassing to my family and me," Woods said.

"I'm human and I'm not perfect. I will certainly make sure this doesn't happen again."

Woods said it was a private matter, and he wanted to keep it that way.

"Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible."

Windermere police chief Daniel Saylor has said Woods' wife, Elin, used a golf club to smash out a rear window to help him get out of the SUV when she heard the crash from inside their home at 2:25 a.m. on Friday.

"The only person responsible for the accident is me," Woods said. "My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false."

The statement was posted about an hour before state troopers were to meet with the world No. 1 golfer at his home inside the gates of Isleworth in Florida.

In a tape of an emergency services call released Sunday, a neighbor told dispatchers that a black Cadillac Escalade hit a tree and "I have someone down in front of my house".

Woods' neighbor never mentions the golfer by name, and the call is inaudible at several points because of the bad connection.

Sergent Kim Montes of the Florida Highway Patrol said Woods' attorney, Mark Nejame, informed the patrol that Woods would not be meeting with troopers Sunday afternoon.

"It has not been rescheduled," Montes said. "We'll move forward with our investigation without it."

Police first tried to interview Woods on Friday, only for his wife to ask if they could return the next day because he was sleeping.
(Xinhua)
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Davydenko downs Del Potro to crown at ATP World Tour Finals

LONDON, Nov. 29 -- Russian player Nikolay Davydenko defeated Juan Martin del Potro 6-3, 6-4 to clinched the title of ATP World Tour Finals at 02 Arena on Sunday.

Davydenko, beating World No. 1 Roger Federer in Saturday's semifinals, made stride to become the first Russian to win the year-end title in the tournament history.

Nikolay Davydenko of Russia kisses his trophy after defeating Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina in the final of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis match in London, November 29, 2009.

"if you see like I was watching, till 2008, so many names there, like Djokovic, Federer, everyone, Sampras. In 2009, stay name Davydenko for, like, forever, for this trophy. I think it's amazing," said the 28-year-old World No. 7.

Davydenko, upsetting Federer for the first time in their all 13meetings, believed winning the trophy here was the sweetest for him.

Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina reacts after losing the final of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis match against Nikolay Davydenko of Russia in London, November 29, 2009.

"Trophy, it's always something important, you know, in career for the tennis player. Something important for me because Federer I beat in semifinals. It was a great match, good feeling. Never beat him before. And beat him once here in semifinals. But, you know, final's different."

Davydenko finished second to Novak Djokovic of Serbia in last year's finale, but this time the Russian edged out the defending champion with a better sets record after beating World No. 9 Robin Soderling in the last Group match on Friday.

Nikolay Davydenko (R) of Russia and Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina pose with their throphies after their match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 29, 2009.

Nikolay Davydenko of Russia holds up his trophy after defeating Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina in the final of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis match in London, November 29, 2009.

Nikolay Davydenko of Russia reacts after winning the final of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis match against Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina in London, November 29, 2009.

Nikolay Davydenko of Russia holds up his trophy after defeating Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina in the final of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis match in London, November 29, 2009.

Nikolay Davydenko of Russia returns the ball to Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina during the final of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis match in London, November 29, 2009.

Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina serves the ball to Nikolay Davydenko of Russia during the final of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis match in London, November 29, 2009.

Nikolay Davydenko of Russia returns the ball to Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina during the final of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis match in London, November 29, 2009.

Juan Martin Del Potro of Argentina returns the ball to Nikolay Davydenko of Russia during the final of the ATP World Tour Finals tennis match in London, November 29, 2009.
(Reuters)
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Bryan brothers win ATP doubles finals

Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan of the United States pose with the trophy after they defeated Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Andy Ram of Israel to win the title of ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 29, 2009.

Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan (R) of the United States, Max Mirnyi of Belarus (L2) and Andy Ram (L) of Israel pose with their trophies after their match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 29, 2009.

Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan of the United States pose with the year-end No. 1 trophy after their match against Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Andy Ram of Israel at ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 29, 2009.

Bob Bryan of the United States celebrates after the match against Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Andy Ram of Israel at ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 29, 2009. The Bryans won the match 2-0 and claimed the title.

Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan of the United States compete during the match against Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Andy Ram of Israel at ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 29, 2009. The Bryans won the match 2-0 and claimed the title.

Bob Bryan and Mike Bryan of the United States bump fists during their match against Max Mirnyi of Belarus and Andy Ram of Israel at ATP World Tour Finals in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 29, 2009. The Bryans won the match 2-0 and claimed the title.
(Xinhua/Tang Shi)
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Ibrahimovich's goal gives Barca win in Spanish "El Classico"

MADRID, Nov. 29 -- Zlatan Ibrahimovich scored the lone goal in FC Barcelona's 1-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Spanish "El Classico" at the Camp Nou Stadium on Sunday.

The win put Barcelona back on top of the Primera Liga after a fascinating game that saw a contrast in styles and fortunes.

Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores a goal as Real Madrid's goalkeeper Iker Casillas is unable to stop the ball during their Spanish first division soccer match against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

Real Madrid will point to an organized defensive display and several missed chances to argue that they deserved more.

However, Barcelona will point to the fact that they played the last 30 minutes with just 10 men, while Carles Puyol made a series of heroic challenges to deny the visitors in front of goal.

The run into the game had been filled with speculation as to whether Cristiano Ronaldo, Leo Messi and Ibrahimovich would be fitto play.

When the teams were announced, both Messi and Ronaldo were on the teams lineup, but Ibrahimovich's hamstring problem meant he had to be content with a place on the bench.

Real Madrid coach Manuel Pellegrini had clearly put a lot of thought into his tactics. Lassana Diarra and Xabi Alonso worked hard to close down Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, while his side then looked to hurt Barca with pace on the break.

Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic reacts after scoring a goal during their Spanish first division soccer match against arch rivals Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

With Messi being crowded out by up to three defenders every time he touched the ball, Real should have opened the scoring in 20th minute.

A rapid break saw Kaka feed the ball to the unmarked Ronaldo, but Victor Valdes pulled off a fine save with his foot to stop Madrid going ahead.

Five minutes later Carles Puyol had to hurl himself into a challenge to deny Marcelo, who had also found space on the left of the Barcelona area.

Barcelona only threatened as the Madrid players tired and Xavi and Iniesta were able to combine.

The home side's best chance came after 37 minutes, but Iniesta was unable to put the ball past a very secure Iker Casillas.

Barca coach Pep Guardiola waited just five minutes of the second half before bring on Ibrahimovich for the ineffective Henry and thee minutes later he received his reward.

Dani Alves found space on the right and his cross to the far post was volleyed home by the delighted Swede.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi (L) and Real Madrid's Pepe fight for the ball during their Spanish first division soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

Barcelona was reduced to ten men after 62 minutes after Sergio Busquets was shown a second yellow card for deliberate handball.

Real Madrid was forced to change to a more open style of football, but Manuel Pellegrini was sure to be questioned for his decision to replace Ronaldo with Karim Benzema.

The Frenchman almost scored after 70 minutes, only for Puyol to make a heroic block and ten minutes later he scooped over the bar from close range as Madrid piled on the pressure.

At the other end Casillas made a stunning save to deny Messi and when Diarra was shown his second yellow of the night in the last minute, Real Madrid's last option was lost.

Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (R) and Real Madrid's Xabi Alonso fight for the ball during their Spanish first division soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

Barcelona's Xavi Hernandez (R) touches the face of Real Madrid's Raul Gonzalez at the end of their Spanish first division soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

Real Madrid's goalkeeper Iker Casillas gestures during their Spanish first division soccer match against arch rivals Barcelona at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic celebrates after scoring a goal during their Spanish first division soccer match against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

Referee Alberto Undiano Mallenco gestures during Spanish first division soccer match between Barcelona and Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo gestures during their Spanish first division soccer match against Barcelona at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

Barcelona's coach Josep Guardiola (R) gives instructions to Swedish player Zlatan Ibrahimovic during their Spanish first division soccer match against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic kicks the ball to score against Real Madrid during their Spanish first division soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi reacts during their Spanish first division soccer match against Real Madrid at the Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.

Barcelona's Zlatan Ibrahimovic (L) is congratulated by his team mate Lionel Messi after scoring against Real Madrid during their Spanish first division soccer match at Camp Nou stadium in Barcelona November 29, 2009.
(Reuters)
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Bobcats beat wizards 92-76

Nazr Mohammed (top L) of Charlotte Bobcats grabs the rebound during a NBA game against Washington Wizards in Washington, the United States, November 28, 2009. Charlotte Bobcats won the game 92-76.

Stephen Jackson (L) of Charlotte Bobcats and Caron Batler of Washington Wizards vie for a rebound during a NBA game in Washington, the United States, November 28, 2009. Charlotte Bobcats won the game 92-76.

Gerald Wallace (C) of Charlotte Bobcats vies for a rebound during a NBA game against Washington Wizards in Washington, the United States, November 28, 2009. Charlotte Bobcats won the game 92-76.

Gerald Wallace (R) of Charlotte Bobcats shoots the ball during a NBA game against Washington Wizards in Washington, the United States, November 28, 2009. Charlotte Bobcats won the game 92-76.

Jabale McGee (L) of Washington Wizards gets a rebound during a NBA game against Charlotte Bobcats in Washington, the United States, November 28, 2009. Charlotte Washington Wizards lost the game 76-92.
(Xinhua/Zhang Yan)
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World No.1 Federer ousted by Davydenko at ATP Tour Finals

LONDON, Nov. 28 -- World No. 1 Roger Federer was knocked out of the semifinals by Russian Nikolay Davydenko 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 at the ATP World Tour Finals on Saturday.

Nikolay Davydenko (L) of Russia shakes hand with Roger Federer of Switzerland after their ATP World Tour Finals semi-final in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 28, 2009. Davydenko won 6-2, 4-6 and 7-5, reaching the final and recording his first win over Roger Federer in 13 meetings.

It is Davydenko's first victory over Federer in their 13 meetings within seven years.

"I thank all my family, everybody who support me, wait for this moment, you know when I can beat Federer, because I beat everyone in top 10 except Federer," said the Russian "Iron Man".

"I was thinking it may be coming in 2010 or 2011. But in 2009, end of the season, it's a good feeling."

Davydenko, 28, finished second to Novak Djokovic of Serbia in last year's ATP Tour Finals. He edged out the defending champion with a better sets record in Group B.

After ending his season with a loss, Federer said, "It's disappointing. But not to lose against him; just to lose the semis. Coming so far in a tough group, in a tough tournament, I had hoped to get through to the final and maybe win again."

But the Swiss superstar believed he had little regrets this year.

"I play at a very high level usually at the end of tournaments. When you go out, if it's five sets or three sets or straight sets, I know I put in the best effort I could. And then you don't walk away too disappointed. I finished No. 1 in the world. So I don't have many regrets," he said.

Roger Federer of Switzerland reacts during the ATP World Tour Finals semi-final against Nikolay Davydenko of Russia in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 28, 2009. Davydenko won 6-2, 4-6 and 7-5, reaching the final and recording his first win over Roger Federer in 13 meetings.

Nikolay Davydenko of Russia reacts after winning the ATP World Tour Finals semi-final against Roger Federer of Switzerland in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 28, 2009. Davydenko won 6-2, 4-6 and 7-5, reaching the final and recording his first win over Roger Federer in 13 meetings.

Nikolay Davydenko of Russia returns the ball during the ATP World Tour Finals semi-final against Roger Federer of Switzerland in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 28, 2009. Davydenko won 6-2, 4-6 and 7-5, reaching the final and recording his first win over Roger Federer in 13 meetings.

Roger Federer of Switzerland serves during the ATP World Tour Finals semi-final against Nikolay Davydenko of Russia in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 28, 2009. Davydenko won 6-2, 4-6 and 7-5, reaching the final and recording his first win over Roger Federer in 13 meetings.

Roger Federer of Switzerland returns the ball during the ATP World Tour Finals semi-final against Nikolay Davydenko of Russia in London, capital of Britain, Nov. 28, 2009. Davydenko won 6-2, 4-6 and 7-5, reaching the final and recording his first win over Roger Federer in 13 meetings.
(Xinhua/Zeng Yi)
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