S Korean Kim shines at Cup of China figure skating Grand Prix

BEIIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Kim Yu-na stole the spotlight from local favorites at the Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of figure skating as the South Korean teenager clinched the women's title with a brilliant performance here on Saturday.

Cheered on by an ecstatic capacity crowd at the Capital Gymnasium, the 18-year-old Kim scored 128.11 points in free skating for an overall winning mark of 191.75.

Japan's Ando Miki, winner of the 2007 World Championships, tookthe silver medal with 111.58 in the free skating and a 170.88 total.

Laura Lepisto of Finland, who finished third in European Championships, picked up 100.82 for a total of 159.42 to grab the bronze medal.

Kim, fresh from her victory in last month's Grand Prix of America, performed smoothly and gracefully to Sheherazade. The skating wunderkind was so popular that she received the most cheers when she showed up on the rink.

"I know that many skaters have used the music, but I just want to show my own style," said Kim.

"I really appreciated the fans," she said. "They made me feel at home. Last year I came to China, there were also many people cheering for me."

Kim's performance was not so perfect that she made a mistake on the landing of her triple lutz, but she had overwhelmingly advantage in her spiral sequence and jump.

"My triple lutz is not stable today," she said. "But I felt better than I was in the short program, because I was very nervous that day."

Born on Sept. 5, 1990, Kim started figure skating at seven and won her first national champion at 13. In 2006, Kim became the first South Korean skater who won gold in World Junior Championships.

In 2007, Kim made debut in the World Championships and finished third. She also won the gold medal in the 2007 Grand Prix final.

"This season the most important thing for me is to keep good form and avoid injuries for the following competitions," said Kim, who has already qualified for the 2008 Grand Prix final in South Korea after back-to-back victories in the U.S. and China Grand Prix.

Kim, who is based in Canada, said she had to communicate with her coach in English, so she was learning the language after training.

"I has tried to tell the coach my feeling in English, and I will keep doing it to improve my English," she said.
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Wang Beixing wins 500m at Berlin Skating World Cup

BERLIN, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese sprinter Wang Beixing on Saturday overcame German rival Jenny Wolf to claim the title of women's 500m at Speed Skating World Cup in Berlin.

Wang, who lost to Wolf in Friday's 500 by a mere 0.006 second, clocked 37.91 to beat Wolf by 0.03 second. Wolf, a world record holder, had not lost since last December.

Joji Kato of Japan set a track record in winning a 500-meter race. Kato finished in 34.70 seconds to edge China's Yu Fengtong by 0.37.

The Netherlands swept the first four places in the men's 1,500 meters, with Sven Kramer winning in 1 minute, 45.69 seconds.

Martina Sablikova of the Czech Republic won the women's 3,000 in 4:03.70, ahead of Germany's Daniela Anschutz Thoms, who finished in 4:07.08.

Nevertheless, world champion Jeremy Wotherspoon from Canada suffered a broken upper left arm after crashing at the shield.

Wotherspoon, the world record holder in the 500 meters, was carried off the ice on a stretcher and taken to a local hospital after crashing on the last turn of the race.

On Nov. 9, 2007 Jeremy skated a new world record on the 500m. The new world best time is 34.03 seconds.
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China dominates Asian mountain bike cross-country

KATHMANDU, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Chinese clean swept the Elite Women's Cross Country at the 14th Asian Mountain Bike Championship held at the race course in Nepali capital Kathmandu.

In Men's Elite Cross Country category, Chinese Jiang Xueli emerged victorious on Saturday's competition, leading the race from the very first lap and completing the 35.63 km long seven laprace in 1 hour 34 minutes and 24 seconds among 30 riders hailing from 13 countries.

Ren Chengyuan, Liu Ying and Shi Qinglan of China occupied the champion, the second and the third positions out of 11 riders from six countries and regions.

Out of four riders representing the host Nepal -- Padam Sabenhang, Deependra Bajracharya, Danjit Rai and Suresh Kumar Dulal, Sabenhang was the only to complete the race in Men's Elite Cross Country category. He finished the race in 17th position with the timing of 2 hours 10 minutes and 53 seconds, local newspaper The Rising Nepal reported on Sunday.
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Monday play at HSBC Champions a milestone for Chinese golf

SHANGHAI, Nov.8 (Xinhua) -- In recognition of the status of the HSBC Champions and the desire to maintain its integrity in the world of golf, it is the joint decision of HSBC, IMG and the sanctioning Tours that the tournament be decided over 72 holes, with the event concluding by lunchtime on Monday.

The decision to complete the fourth round on Monday demonstrates a commitment to golf and to the ever growing status of the HSBC Champions on the world stage, organizers said.

The support of the players for this decision is indicative of how high this tournament is in their priorities.

World Number 2 Phil Mickelson was quick to endorse the planned Monday finish. "This event is world class. The field is world class. The course is world class. World class events are 72 holes. The HSBC Champions is a 72-hole tournament. So you do the math," said Mickelson.

World Number 3 Sergio Garcia added "This tournament is of global significance, so of course we should play to a finish. We've got all of the best available golfers in the world here and we're going to have an exciting finish."

Chinese star Zhang Lianwei declared the announcement a milestone in the development of the sport in his country.

"I'm very proud for Chinese golf. A decision like this proves that the HSBC Champions and golf in China are truly important on the world stage. This is a very significant moment for us all," he said.

"At the start of my career there were almost no tournaments in China. Now we have an event that is treated with the respect normally given to the Majors."

Zhang Xiaoning, general secretary of the China Golf Association,said "In the tradition of golf around the world, Monday play is anhonour reserved for only the most important tournaments. Of course we wish the weather had been more co-operative, but the delay and the desire of everyone involved to continue to play on Monday has proved something of great significance for Chinese golf. It has proved that we have one of the world's most important tournaments and it has proved that Chinese golf has truly arrived on the world stage."
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Arsenal beat Man Utd as Liverpool go top

LONDON, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Arsenal surged back into the title race of the English Premier League as Samir Nasri's double handed them a much-needed 2-1 win over Manchester United on Saturday.

French youngster Nasri scored in each half to secure the valuable three points, which lifted Arsenal above United into third on the table.


Liverpool's Alvaro Arbeloa (R) celebrates with Yossi Benayoun (2nd R) and Dirk Kuyt (L) after scoring during their English Premier League soccer match against West Bromwich Albion in Liverpool, northern England, November 8, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Arsenal have 23 points, six behind leaders Liverpool who crushed struggling West Bromwich Albion 3-0 to go top thanks to Robbie Keane's first league goals for the club and a late Alvaro Arbeloa strike.

Second-placed Chelsea, on 26 points, are playing away at Blackburn on Sunday.

Hull City lost the momentum of their dream start to the season and slipped to a third consecutive defeat after going down 1-0 at home to Bolton, who climbed out of the relegation zone and into the ninth with the win.

Everton came from behind to stun West Ham United 3-1 at Upton Park, while Stoke City made it three games unbeaten after a goalless draw at Wigan Athletic.

Tony Adams picked up his first win as Portsmouth boss as Jermain Defoe stroked home an injury-time penalty to secure a last-gasp 2-1 win at Sunderland.

Arsenal's victory, coming after an unlikely draw against Tottenham and an acrimonious defeat at Stoke City, confirmed manager Arsene Wenger's belief that they are still serious title contenders.

"I am very proud of the performance," said Wenger. "It was a fantastic game and we won against a great side, who were very dangerous going forward.

"The team was not faultless, but we were spot-on spirit-wise. Now we want consistency and to keep winning."

United were the first to get their paces but Dimitar Berbatov had a goal ruled out early on for offside and Wayne Rooney wasted a chance.

As Arsenal overcame a nervy start, summer signing Nasri fired home a deflection off Gary Neville to hand the home side the advantage.

Nasri added a decisive second three minutes after the interval as Fabregas threaded through a perfect pass for the France midfielder to beat Van der Sar with an emphatic finish.

Rafael da Silva, who had replaced Neville in the 63rd minute, pulled one back in the final minute with a spectacular left-foot volley from the edge of the box.

The six minutes of injury time, resulting from Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia's lengthy treatment after an accidental clash with Michael Carrick, reignited United's hopes for a win but Sir Alex Ferguson's men failed to create another chance.

At Anfield, Keane got off the mark following his 20 million pounds summer move from Tottenham and put Liverpool ahead on 34 minutes when he latched on to Steven Gerrard's pass before clipping the ball over Scott Carson.

The Irish ace scored his second two minutes from the break when he rounded Carson and slotted home. Arbeloa curled in a third in stoppage time.


Liverpool's Robbie Keane celebrates after scoring during their English Premier League soccer match against West Bromwich Albion in Liverpool, northern England, November 8, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Barcelona outdo Real Madrid on a night of goals

MADRID, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) --Barcelona went one better than Real Madrid to remain top of the Spanish Primera Liga on Saturday night.

Pep Guardiola's side kicked off their Primera Liga game at home to Valladolid moments after Real Madrid had finished their dramatic home game to Malaga.


Barcelona's goalkeeper Victor Valdes blocks a shot next to Toure Yaya and Valladolid's Henok Goitom during their Spanish First Division soccer match at Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona, Nov. 8, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


At 10 pm Real Madrid had gone top of the Primera Liga table, thanks mainly to an incredible display from Argentinean striker Gonzalo Higuain. Higuain scored all four goals as Real came back from behind on three occasions before finally defeating Malaga 4-3.

The former River Plate forward proved to be the perfect replacement for Ruud van Nistelrooy, who is likely to miss the rest of 2008 with a knee injury.


Barcelona's Thierry Henry celebrates a goal against Valladolid during their Spanish First Division Soccer League match at Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona, Nov. 8, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


In the first half, Malaga took the lead after six and 17 minutes thanks to goals from Eliseu Pereira and Nabil Baha, but each time they were pegged back by Higuain, the second from the penalty spot.

The home side were reduced to 10 men when Sergio Ramos was sent off for stamping on Eliseu just before the break and Malaga again took the lead with just 20 minutes remaining through Apono. But Higuain again leveled the scores a minute later, before he secured all three points after 79 minutes, moments after he had failed to score his second penalty of the night.

However, if Higuain thought scoring four goals was going to make him the hero of the night, he was mistaken. Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o scored four in the first half of his side's 6-0 destruction of Valladolid.

Kicking off their match at 10 pm, Barcelona produced another unstoppable home display. The side coached by Pep Guardiola have won their last three Primera Liga games in their Camp Nou stadium,6-1, 5-0 and now 6-0.

Eidur Gudjohnsen and Thierry Henry scored goals in the second half to put Barcelona back on the top of the table. However, while Real Madrid left the pitch to boos from their fans, Barca left the turf of the Camp Nouto a standing ovation.


L-R) Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o, Lionel Messi and Carles Puyol celebrate a goal against Valladolid during their Spanish First Division soccer match at Nou Camp Stadium in Barcelona, Nov. 8, 2008.(Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
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Corinthians wins, celebrates title

RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- After a very long year for fans of the Corinthians soccer team, the second division club of the Brasileiro Championship wrapped up the trophy on Saturday.

After beating Criciuma 2-0, the team capped off a great season, guaranteeing their return to the first division of the Brasileiro Championship for the 2009 season.

Corinthians held on as the role of leader throughout the whole second half of the season. They had the best offensive attack, allowed the fewest goals on defense and lost only two times. The club, as well as its fans, has been celebrating the team's ascension back into the first division for the last four weeks.

With goals coming from Chicao in the 23rd minute, and from Cristian in the 34th minute, the team cruised to victory.

Corinthians closed the season with 76 points. At the opposite end of the leader board of the second division (Serie B), CRB ended the season with the worst record and will be dropped down into the third division (Serie C), capping off a horrible year for the team.
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Vasco pulls away from danger zone

RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- At the request of the head coach of the Vasco soccer team, the fans did their part on Saturday by appearing in large numbers to root for their team.

As a result, the team broke their four game streak on not producing a victory at home. By a score of 1-0, the team beat Santos in the 34th round of play in the 2008 Brasileiro Championship.

The hero of Saturday's game was Edmundo. After sitting for the first half of the game, the player entered the field 10 minutes into the second half. The team was awarded a penalty kick in the 27th minute when Domingos took out Jonilson in the penalty box. Edmundo took the penalty kick and did not disappoint the home crowd, driving the ball into the right side of the goal.

"I am full of happiness. In the last couple of games, the fans have been great, but we were unable to produce a victory for them. We are getting better with each game. Tonight, we are all going to sleep better knowing that we are out of danger of being sent into the second division," analyzed Edmundo after the victory.

With Saturday's victory, Vasco now stands in 15th place with 37points. Five positions out of danger of being lowered into the second division of the Brasileiro Championship of 2009, the team returns to the field on Wednesday night to face Atletico-MG on the road in the 35th round of play.
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"Father of Chinese genetics" Tan Jiazhen mourned after death at 99

BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Renowned Chinese geneticist Tan Jiazhen, who died of multiple organ dysfunction on Nov. 1 at age 99, was cremated on Saturday in Shanghai.

Tan, the founding father of China's genetics, was an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and a foreign associate of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, one of only 11 Chinese scientists so honored.


Renowned Chinese geneticist Tan Jiazhen is seen in this file photo taken in June, 2005. Tan, who died of multiple organ dysfunction on Nov. 1 at age 99, was cremated on Saturday in Shanghai. (Xinhua Photo)


He introduced the translation of "gene" into the Chinese language and made several scientific breakthroughs.

He was also a "bosom friend" of the Communist Party of China, an outstanding scientist and educator, a remarkable leader of the China Democratic League (CDL) and an active community leader, according to an official obituary.

Tan had acted as honorary chairman of the CDL Central Committee, vice chairman of the standing committee of Shanghai's municipal legislature, and vice chairman of the political advisory body in Shanghai.

He became vice president of Shanghai-based Fudan University in 1961 and suffered persecution during the 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution.

Tan left a widow, his second wife, aged 87. His first wife died at the beginning of the Cultural Revolution.

Chinese President Hu Jintao, former president Jiang Zemin, and other senior leaders such as Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang and Zhou Yongkang sent condolences and visited Tan's family in his final days.

Born on Sept. 15 of 1909 in east China's Zhejiang Province, Tan graduated from Dongwu University in 1930 and obtained a master's degree from Yenching University in 1932, both in China, and a PhD from California Institute of Technology in 1936. He later taught at Columbia University and returned to China in 1937.

He held a distinguished alumni award from Caltech, received a Medal of Merit from Germany's Konstanz University and had been designated as an honorary citizen of California.
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Chinese baritone holds first solo concert in Vienna's Golden Hall


VIENNA, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- The Golden Hall of Vienna played host to Liao Changyong Vocal Solo Concert, the first by a Chinese baritone, on Friday evening, giving a chance for Westerners to sip the flavor of Eastern music and culture.

At the concert, Liao sang well-known European opera selections like "The Marriage of Figaro," "The Merry Widow," "Don Carlos," and some Chinese songs like "My Motherland" and "Velvet Flowers" with the accompaniment of the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.

His performance moved the audience and received long and warm applause.

Liao, who comes from China's southwestern Sichuan province, struck by a devastating quake in May that killed over 80,000, specially sang "The Old Song" to thank "the Austrian friends who helped victims in the quake."

Liao has won many top international awards for his outstanding artistic skills. He now is vice president of the Chinese Musicians Association and dean of the Vocal Department of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
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Luhrmann gives Kidman, Jackman happy ending


A poster of the movie "Australia" starring Nicole Kidman and hugh Jackman. (Xinhua Photo)


BEIJING, Nov. 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Hollywood actress Nicole Kidman's hunky new love (Hugh Jackman) doesn't lose his life in the final scene of "Australia" after director Baz Luhrmann bowed to pressure from Twentieth Century Fox to give the big-budget movie a happy ending, news reports said Sunday.

Luhrmann, who is racing against time to ready the epic for worldwide release on Nov. 26, had initially killed off Jackman's character, identified only as the Drover, just before the credits rolled.

But the money men at Fox insisted on changes that transform "an action-filled tragedy" into more of a weepy romance, the Sunday Telegraph reported.

"Australia" is Luhrmann's first feature since 2001's Moulin Rouge! and Fox wants to be assured of recouping its 100-million-U.S.-dollar outlay.

The World War II romantic drama, only the Australian director's fourth feature in 16 years, has been talked up by Luhrmann as "high comedy, high tragedy, tears, laughter, costumes" which has "everything big - big actors, big landscape."

The screenplay is mostly Luhrmann's, helped along by Gould's Book of Fish author Richard Flanagan, and the paper reported he was persuaded to junk his original denouement for a happier one after focus-group testing threw up general disappointment.

In a film that initially ran for over three hours, Kidman plays English aristocrat Lady Sarah Ashley, who arrives in Australia to take over a zillion-hectare cattle property. She ends up in the arms of Jackman, who plays the rough and ready cowboy who saves the day.

"It's the first time anyone has tried to make a blockbuster outside of America and that's what he's doing," Flannagan said of his paymaster's work. "It will be an idea of Australia, a story about Australia, taking Australia to the world."

Some who have seen early takes of the film have raved about the breadth and scale of the undertaking, the superb cinematography and the loving treatment of the Outback.

The Sun Herald newspaper conducted a straw poll, with most respondents being pessimistic about box-office prospects.

A reader called Claire said the backdrop of a world economic crisis would help gate receipts because "when times get tough, the tough buy popcorn and try to forget reality."

(Agencies)


Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman are pictured in a scene of movie "Australia," due for release on Nov. 26. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)


Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman are pictured in a scene of movie "Australia," due for release on Nov. 26. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)
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G20 finance ministers, central bank governors meet in Sao Paulo


Zhou Xiaochuan (R), governor of the People's Bank of China, and Chinese Vice Finance Minister Li Yong attend the meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Nov. 8, 2008. The two-day meeting was opened on Saturday. (Xinhua Photo)


SAO PAULO, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 (G20) major industrial and emerging-market countries begin their annual meeting here Saturday to seek ways to weather the global financial crisis.

Participants at the two-day meeting are expected to discuss the current global financial situation, said Marcos Galvao, international affairs secretary of the Brazilian Finance Ministry.


Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (C) attends the meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Nov. 8, 2008. The two-day meeting was opened on Saturday.(Xinhua Photo)


Discussions on the cause of the crisis, the worst since the 1930s, and its impact on commodity prices, inflation and exchange rates are also on the agenda, he said.

Addressing the gathering, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva called for a "new world financial architecture" in the wake of the current financial crisis.


The two-day meeting of G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors is opened in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Nov. 8, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)

The Brazilian government had earlier said it would propose greater participation of developing countries in restructuring the global financial system at the meeting.

Any progress made at the event will be presented to the first G20 leaders' summit scheduled for Nov. 15 in Washington D.C.

Founded in 1999 as an informal arena to facilitate dialogue between major industrial and emerging-market countries, the G20 accounts for 85 percent of the world's economy and about two-thirds of the world's population.
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Egyptian FM, UN chief meet ahead of Quartet meeting


Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit (R) meets with United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in Egyptian Red Sea resort Sharm El-Sheikh on Nov. 8, 2008. Ban Ki-moon arrived here Saturday to attend the Middle East Quartet Principals Meeting, to be held on Sunday.(Xinhua Photo/Zhang Ning)


SHARM EL-SHEIKH, Egypt, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit held talks here on Saturday with visiting UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon ahead of an upcoming meeting of the international Quartet on the Middle East.

The talks between Abul Gheit and Ban focused on Egypt's efforts to push forward the Mideast peace process, particularly the peace negotiations between the Palestinian and Israel.

They also discussed the Egyptian mediation to help heal the current inter-Palestinian rift and reach a Palestinian national reconciliation.

Ban arrived in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh earlier in the day to attend the Quartet meeting on Nov. 9.

The international Quartet, which groups the United States, the European Union, the United Nations and Russia, will evaluate the development of the Mideast peace process, particularly the peace negotiations between the Palestinians and Israel.

At the U.S.-hosted Annapolis conference on Mideast peace last November, Palestinian and Israeli leaders pledged to try to reach a peace agreement by the end of 2008.

But the United States confessed that there are slim chances for the two sides to reach a deal in the year.

U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who also arrived Saturday in the Egyptian resort for the Quartet meeting, said Thursday that a year-end target date for a Palestinian-Israeli agreement was no longer realistic.


Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit (R) meets with United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Egyptian Red Sea resort Sharm El-Sheikh on Nov. 8, 2008. Rice arrived here Saturday to attend the Middle East Quartet Principals Meeting, to be held on Sunday.(Xinhua Photo/Zhang Ning)
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John Key to form new NZ gov't within 10 days

WELLINGTON, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand National party leader and incoming Prime Minister John Key is expected to form the new coalition government in 10 days.

He is likely to form a government before the special votes are counted so he can travel to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) leaders meeting in Peru to represent the country at the end of the month.


New Zealand's National Party leader and Prime Minister-elect John Key speaks next to his daughter Stephie after winning the general election in Auckland Nov. 8, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


Key's National Party had already made a deal before the election to form a coalition with New Zealand Act party and United Future party. The three parties, together, won 65 seats - enough to give them a majority in a 122-seat Parliament.

At a media conference in Auckland on Sunday afternoon, Key said the special votes would make little difference to the make-up of Parliament.

Key said he wanted to represent New Zealand at APEC where the world financial crisis will be discussed. The APEC leaders meeting is scheduled for Nov. 22 and 23 in Lima, Peru.

Key said under a National-led government, the economy would take center stage.


New Zealand's National Party leader and Prime Minister-elect John Key (R) celebrates with his wife Bronagh and children Max (L) and Stephie (2nd R) after winning the general election in Auckland, Nov. 8, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)


National deputy leader Bill English and senior MP Gerry Brownlee earlier flew into Auckland for talks with Key at his home.

At Saturday's general elections, the National party secured 45.5 percent of party vote and 59 seats in the Parliament, while the Labor won 33.8 percent of the party votes and 43 parliament seats.

The first of National's major talks are expected to be with Act party. Act's leader Rodney Hide is likely to seek responsibility in Cabinet for local government, and for a regulatory review of red tape.

Peter Dunne, the United Future leader, remains in Parliament, and has also been guaranteed a ministerial post in the government.

Vote for change

In John Key's victory speech Saturday night, he said that New Zealanders had voted for hope, for action and for results.

"New Zealand has spoken. Hundreds of thousands across the country, they have voted for change," he said.

Key has vowed to move urgently to inject life back into the failing economy by investing millions of dollars in roads, school building and broadband internet cables.

And he intends to pass legislation before Christmas to cut income taxes by 16 billion NZ dollars (9.6 billion U.S. dollars) in April.

Clark stands down as Labor leader

Conceding defeat, outgoing Prime Minister Helen Clark announced on Saturday night that she was standing down as Labor leader.

Labor's deputy leader Michael Cullen also announced later he was standing down from the position.

Clark congratulated John Key in a speech to supporters at Labor Party headquarters in Auckland.

Clark said she accepted the choice the public had made, and accepted responsibility for the election result.

　　Voter Turnout

Election officials said they were happy with the voter turnout at this year's elections.

The Chief Electoral Officer Robert Peden said the provisional voter turnout this year was 78.69 percent, based on the number of eligible voters who enrolled by 05:00 p.m. on Friday.

More than two million votes were counted on Saturday night, and an estimated 240,000 special votes will be counted this week.

The Chief Electoral Office aims to declare the official election results on Nov. 22.
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Death toll in Haitian school collapse rises to 92

MEXICO CITY, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- At least 92 people have been killed and 150 others injured in the collapse of a church school in the suburbs of Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, media reported Saturday.

Search for survivors in the remains of the College La Promesse is still underway, according to reports reaching here from Port-au-Prince.


A church-operated school in Haiti called "The Evangelic Promise" collapse on Friday during the class time. At least 92 people have been killed and 150 others injured in the collapse of a church school in the suburbs of Haitian capital Port-au-Prince (Xinhua/AFP Photo)


Two girls and two boys aged from three to 13 years were rescued alive from under ruins of the three-storied building Saturday, bringing the number of survivors to 35.

Local authorities said more than 500 students aged between three and 20 were at school as the accident happened and the death toll would continue to rise.

The owner of the school, Fortin Augustine, has been arrested Saturday and Haitian president Rene Preval has blamed the tragedy to shabby construction and lack of government supervision.

Haitian Youth and Sports Minister Evens Lescouflair said a 40-member rescue team with sniff dogs have joined the U.N. peacekeeping force in searching for survivors.

Firefighters from France and helicopters from neighboring the Dominican Republic were working at the site Saturday.


Rescuers try to save the injured in a collapsed church-operated school in Haiti Friday. The school collapsed during the class time. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)
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More than 20 killed in Russian nuclear submarine accident

MOSCOW, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- More than 20 people have been killed in an accident on a Russian nuclear submarine, local media reported on early Sunday.

"Over 20 people have been killed on Nov. 8, as a result of accidental activation of the fire extinguishing system at a nuclear-powered submarine of the Pacific Fleet during sea trials," Itar-Tass cited a navy spokesman.

The radiation on the submarine is normal as its nuclear reactor is working at normal status, said Igor Dygalo, an aide to the commander-in-chief of the Russian Pacific Fleet.

Among the killed are workers of a shipyard and military servicemen, he said.

The submarine is sailing to a temporary base in Russia's far east Primorye territory with the escorting of an anti-submarine warship and a rescue vessel to evacuate another 21 injured people, Dygalo said.

There were 208 people aboard the submarine during the accident and 81 of them were military servicemen.

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev has ordered the defense minister to probe into the accident and provide all the necessary assistance to the families of the killed, said the Kremlin.

The last major tragedy on Russian nuclear submarine occurred on Aug. 12, 2000, when the Kursk sank during a military exercise in the Barents Sea after an explosion ripped through the vessel. All 118 sailors perished.

The latest similar accident was reported in September, 2006, when two servicemen were killed and one injured in a fire onboard a Russian nuclear submarine.
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Indonesian AGO confirms Bali bombers executed

JAKARTA, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian Attorney General's Office (AGO) Spokesman Jasman Pandjaitan confirmed that the execution of three Bali bombers on death row -- Amrozi, Mukhlas and Imam Samudra had been carried out early morning on Sunday.

 "At 0:15 local time, Amrozi, Mukhlas and Imam Samudra were executed by a firing squad," Jasman said at a press conference in Jakarta on early Sunday. He added that an autopsy had been carried out to confirm their death.

He also said that more details would be made public later on Sunday.

Their bodies were planned to be sent to their respective villages on Sunday, he added.

Amrozi, Mukhlas and Iman Samudra are on death row for their roles in the bombings in Indonesia's resort island of Bali in October 2002 that left more than 200 people dead including many foreign tourists.
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Rice tours Jenin to assess security progress

RAMALLAH, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice Saturday visited the northern West Bank city of Jenin to assess improvements the western-backed Palestinian security forces achieved.

Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, whose government implements a campaign to restore order and reinforce law in the city, accompanied Rice in the tour.

After Rice met Palestinian officials in the city, Jenin's governor Qadoura Fares said Rice's first visit to the city was "historical and important."

Rice also attended the opening ceremony of a new department in Jenin's hospital.

The deployment of the Palestinian forces in the city succeeded to end the violence of unknown gunmen, Palestinian factions such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, who accuse the forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas of cracking down on fighters who fight Israel.

The city has often been a stronghold for the less influential Islamic Jihad.

Rice has been touring the region since Friday. She met Abbas on Friday in Ramallah and said the Palestinians should soon have their statehood.

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Indian aircrafts show stunts at Airshow China


Aircrafts of the Suryakirans (Sun Rays), the aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force, show stunts during the 7th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 6, 2008. Some 600 aviation and aerospace manufacturers from 35 countries and regions worldwide joined the six-day exhibition. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)


Aircrafts of the Suryakirans (Sun Rays), the aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force, show stunts during the 7th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 6, 2008. (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)


Aircrafts of the Suryakirans (Sun Rays), the aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force, show stunts during the 7th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 6, 2008. (cnsphoto)


Aircrafts of the Suryakirans (Sun Rays), the aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force, show stunts during the 7th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition in Zhuhai, south China's Guangdong Province, Nov. 6, 2008. (cnsphoto)
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Survey finds majority of Chinese journalists "sub-healthy"

BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- A survey published ahead of the 9th national Journalists' Day, which falls on Saturday, found that 97.5 percent of media workers are "sub-healthy".

The results were based on analysis of 23,640 physical exam reports conducted by the Chinese Doctors' Association. The report might make the country's 1 million journalists less envied by people who coveted their exciting jobs, China Daily reported on Thursday. The medical profession defines sub-healthy as being in a poor physiological condition caused by chronic fatigue. Such people may be more prone to illness and disease, although there isno formal index for the measurement of the condition, the newspaper said.

Gao Li, a heavy-smoking reporter who has been with a sports daily for the past 12 years, said: "I definitely fall into the unhealthy group. I feel like I aged about 10 years because of an exhausting workload."

Gao said that from June to September, because of the Olympics,she had to work every weekend.

According to the association's report, media workers are 25 percent more likely to be in poor health than people in other social groups. Working overtime, having irregular eating patterns and disorderly daily routines, and failing to exercise can all contribute to spinal, digestive and cardiovascular problems, the research found.

"I feel like my immune system is getting weaker all the time," Wei Cheng, a senior editor with a Web-based news service, said.

A high percentage of journalists are heavy smokers, and a growing number are suffering from work-related stress and even depression, the report said.

Ren Xiaosong, a TV newsman from Beijing, said he always knew his choice of career meant "sacrificing" his health and a normal daily life.

"Time and again I've had to cancel my planned trips to the gym, because I was too busy chasing the news," he said.

Lu Xiao, a 26-year-old photo editor with a Beijing newspaper, said: "Women editors are under even more pressure. And the heavy workloads are definitely damaging to our health."

Despite the veterans' warnings, postgraduate journalism student Sun Meng said she is undeterred.

"Working in journalism might be unhealthy and even painful, but it's also very rewarding," she said.
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Microsoft CEO rules out another bid to buyout Yahoo

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Microsoft Corp. Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer has said his company would not make another bid to buyout Internet firm Yahoo, it was reported on Friday.

"We made an offer, we made another offer, and it was clear that Yahoo didn't want to sell the business to us and we moved on," said Ballmer, quoted by the Wall Street Journal.

"We are not interested in going back and re-looking at an acquisition. I don't know why they would be either, frankly. They turned us down at 33 dollars a share," Ballmer said at a business luncheon in Sydney, Australia on Friday.

Yahoo Chief Executive Jerry Yang said on Wednesday that Yahoo was ready to return to the bargaining table with Microsoft over another buyout offer by the latter.

"To this day, I believe the best thing for Microsoft to do is to buy Yahoo," Yang told the Web 2.0 summit in San Francisco.

Yang made the remarks after Internet search giant Google pulled out of an advertising partnership with Yahoo to avoid a "protracted legal battle" with anti-trust regulators.

Yang stressed that he and the rest of Yahoo Inc.'s board "remain open to everything" for a buyout agreement with Microsoft. But Yang said there aren't any talks between the two sides.

Yahoo rejected two offers from Microsoft, including the 47.5-billion-dollar offer six months ago, a move that irritated Yahoo investors. To pacify the investors, Yahoo had been wooing Google's alliance to boost its sagging profits and stock.

Microsoft said it withdrew its 33-dollar per share bid after Yang demanded 37 dollars, a price that Yahoo's stock hasn't reached since early 2006.

Yahoo was trading at 12.25 dollars shortly after the opening bell on Friday at the New York Stock Exchange, a drop of more than12 percent.

Ballmer's remarks beat industry analysts prediction that Microsoft would make another offer to buyout Yahoo within the next few months in a bid to better compete with Google.

Despite its dwindling share value, Yahoo remains the No. 2 search engine and still has a huge audience, making it a choice for Microsoft, analysts said.

The journal said Ballmer did suggest that a partnership was possible in the search engine market between Microsoft and Yahoo.

"I'm sure there are still some opportunities for some kind of partnership around search, but I think acquisition is a thing of the past," Ballmer said.

"Everybody needs a good competitor, and we just want the other guys in this business to have a good competitor that they have to think about every day," he said.
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Chinese martial arts spectacle to be staged on Broadway

NEW YORK, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- "The Soul of Shaolin," a new Chinese martial arts spectacle, will be staged on New York's Broadway next year, the first time a production from China has appeared on Broadway.

"The Soul of Shaolin" marks also the inaugural production of China on Broadway, which is a historic partnership between Nederlander Worldwide Productions and the Eastern Shanghai Cultural Film and Television Group, according to a press release obtained by Xinhua on Friday.

China on Broadway's American and Chinese partners will work together to develop and produce theatrical projects for global audiences, says the press release. "China on Broadway will bring an annual theatrical event featuring leading Chinese artists to Broadway in celebration of the Lunar New Year."

Direct from appearances in Sydney, Macau, and at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, comes a theatrical event that is unparalleled on Broadway, the press release quotes the organizers as saying.

"The Soul of Shaolin" tells the story of a boy named Hui Guang who is separated from his mother by war. Hui is found and protected by the legendary monks of the Shaolin Temple and raised among them. Hui later grows up into an accomplished master of Shaolin Kung Fu and embarks on a spectacular journey of self-discovery.

"The Soul of Shaolin" will feature 33 Chinese nationals who are highly skilled in Shaolin Kung Fu, the breathtaking martial art shown in such films as Fearless (starring Jet Li) and Shaolin Soccer, both recent U.S. box office hits.

Robert Nederlander, Jr. of Nederlander Worldwide Productions said, "We are honored to be able to bring this partnership to Broadway with 'The Soul of Shaolin,' an amazing show that blends the fantastic spectacle of Shaolin Kung Fu with the rich history and tradition of the Chinese people in a new show that has been created by world-class artists from Chinese theater, opera, and ballet."

As scheduled, previews of the show will be on Jan. 13 at Broadway's Marquis Theater, where it will be formally launched on Jan. 15 .

The Eastern Shanghai International Culture Film and Television Co., Ltd. is an entertainment conglomerate with interests in television, film, and live entertainment. The company is supported directly by the Shanghai Mayor's office, with a goal of making Shanghai China's premiere world-class city for musical theater and live entertainment.
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Study: bullies may enjoy seeing others in pain

WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Unusually aggressive youth may actually enjoy inflicting pain on others, research using brain scans at the University of Chicago shows released on Friday showed.

Scans of the aggressive youth's brains showed that an area that is associated with rewards was highlighted when the youth watched a video clip of someone inflicting pain on another person. Youth without the unusually aggressive behavior did not have that response.

"This is the first time that fMRI scans have been used to study situations that could otherwise provoke empathy," said lead researcher Jean Decety. "This work will help us better understand ways to work with juveniles inclined to aggression and violence."

The new research shows that some aggressive youths' natural empathetic impulse may be disrupted in ways that increase aggression. The results are reported in the current issue of the journal Biological Psychology.

In the study, the researchers compared eight 16 to 18-year-old boys with aggressive conduct disorder to a control group of adolescent boys with no unusual signs of aggression. The boys with the conduct disorder had exhibited disruptive behavior such as starting a fight, using a weapon and stealing after confronting a victim.

The youth were tested with fMRI while looking at video clips in which people endured pain accidentally, such as when a heavy bowl was dropped on their hands, and intentionally, such as when a person stepped on another's foot.

"The aggressive youth activated the neural circuits underpinning pain processing to the same extent, and in some cases, even more so than the control participants without conduct disorder," Decety said.

"Aggressive adolescents showed a specific and very strong activation of the amygdala and ventral striatum (an area that responds to feeling rewarded) when watching pain inflicted on others, which suggested that they enjoyed watching pain," he said. Unlike the control group, the youth with conduct disorder did not activate the area of the brain involved in self-regulation.
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Boston Univ. to give Chinese director Zhang Yimou honorary doctorate

BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Boston University, based in the United States, said on Friday it would award Chinese director Zhang Yimou an honorary doctorate.

Zhang was the chief director of the dazzling opening and closing ceremonies of the Beijing Olympic Games.

The award ceremony will be held at the university campus on May17, 2009, the university's vice president Laurie Pohl told an audience at the Beijing Film Academy, the director's alma mater.

Few Chinese artists have been awarded honorary degrees by well-known U.S. schools. One exception is Beijing opera master Mei Lanfang who attained an honorary doctorate from Pomona College in 1930.

Boston University President Robert Brown said in a letter to Zhang that the degree marked his "successful pursuit of artistic excellence" that had "enriched audiences around the world."

Hugo Shong, the university trustee who recommended Zhang for the honor, said the degree recognized Zhang's status as a Chinese cultural symbol.

Zhang is known for films such as "Raise the Red Lantern", "Hero" and "House of Flying Daggers". His last film was the 2006 historical epic "Curse of the Golden Flower", after which he devoted his time to the Olympics.
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ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating opens in Beijing


Pang Qing/Tong Jian of China compete during pairs' free skating at SAMSUNG Anycall Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2008 in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2008. Pang Qing/Tong Jian won the bronze medal with a total point of 171.86.(Xinhua Photo)


Oksana Domnina/Maxim Shabalin of Russia compete during ice dancing original dance at SAMSUNG Anycall Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2008 in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2008. Oksana Domnina/Maxim Shabalin ranked first after original dance with 95.58 point.(Xinhua Photo)


Anna Cappellini/Luca Lanotte of Italy compete during ice dancing original dance at SAMSUNG Anycall Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2008 in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2008. Anna Cappellini/Luca Lanotte ranked fourth after original dance with 87.74 point. (Xinhua Photo)


Zhang Dan/Zhang Hao of China compete during pairs' free skating at SAMSUNG Anycall Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2008 in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2008. Zhang Dan/Zhang Hao won the gold medal with a total point of 182.22. (Xinhua Photo)


Jeremy Abbott of the U.S. competes during men's short program at SAMSUNG Anycall Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2008 in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2008. Jeremy Abbott ranked first after short program with 77.05 point.(Xinhua Photo)


Pang Qing/Tong Jian of China compete during pairs' free skating at SAMSUNG Anycall Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2008 in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2008. Pang Qing/Tong Jian won the bronze medal with a total point of 171.86. (Xinhua Photo)


Oksana Domnina/Maxim Shabalin of Russia compete during ice dancing original dance at SAMSUNG Anycall Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2008 in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2008. Oksana Domnina/Maxim Shabalin ranked first after original dance with 95.58 point. (Xinhua Photo)


Jeremy Abbott of the U.S. competes during men's short program at SAMSUNG Anycall Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2008 in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2008. Jeremy Abbott ranked first after short program with 77.05 point.(Xinhua Photo)


Zhang Dan/Zhang Hao of China compete during pairs' free skating at SAMSUNG Anycall Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2008 in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2008. Zhang Dan/Zhang Hao won the gold medal with a total point of 182.22. (Xinhua Photo)


Tanith Belbin/Benjamin Agosto of the U.S. compete during ice dancing original dance at SAMSUNG Anycall Cup of China ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating 2008 in Beijing, capital of China, on Nov. 7, 2008. Tanith Belbin/Benjamin Agosto ranked second after original dance with 95.23 point. (Xinhua Photo)
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Int'l Folk Music Festival kicks off in Kathmandu


Two women of a Nepalese ethnic cultural group smile during the , capital of Nepal, on Nov. 7, 2008. To mark 100 years of music recording in Nepal and 25 years of commercialization of Nepali music through the establishment of Music Nepal, the Nepal Music Center (NMC) is hosting a four-day international folk music festival in Kathmandu from Nov. 5. Some 150 artists from Norway, India, Malawi, Nepal, Palestine and South Africa took part in the festival. (Xinhua Photo)


Malawian indigenous folk artists perform traditional dance "Matandani" during the International Folk Music Festival in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on Nov. 7, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)


Nepalese ethnic cultural group form eastern Nepal perform traditional dance "Sataar Naach" during the International Folk Music Festival in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on Nov. 7, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)


Nepalese ethnic cultural group from mid-western Nepal perform traditional dance "Kaura Naach" during the International Folk Music Festival in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on Nov. 7, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)


Nepalese ethnic cultural group from mid-western Nepal perform traditional dance "Kaura Naach" during the International Folk Music Festival in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on Nov. 7, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)


A Palestinian artist performs traditional folk music during the International Folk Music Festival in Kathmandu, capital of Nepal, on Nov. 7, 2008. (Xinhua Photo)
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Obama vows to address economic crisis after inauguration

·Obama said he will take all necessary steps to ease the credit crisis.
·He also vowed to help hardworking families, and restore growth and prosperity.
·He called for poepole to put aside partisanship and politics, and work as one nation.


U.S. President-elect Barack Obama speaks on Friday at his first press conference after he won the presidential elections. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)


WASHINGTON, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President-elect Barack Obama vowed to address economic crisis after inauguration on Friday at his first press conference after he won the presidential elections, with his economic advisors and chief of staff at presence.

"Immediately after I become president I will confront this economic crisis head-on by taking all necessary steps to ease the credit crisis, help hardworking families, and restore growth and prosperity," Obama said at the press conference in Chicago after meeting with 17-member economic advisory team.

"America is a strong and resilient country, I know we will succeed if we put aside partisanship and politics, and work as one nation," he said.

Citing statistics, Obama warned the country is "facing the greatest economic challenge of our lifetime" with 240,000 jobs lost in October and nearly 1.2 million jobs cut this year, and tens of millions of families struggling to figure out how to pay the bills and stay in their homes.

He noted that a rescue plan for the middle class tops all priorities that can create jobs and provide relief to families, and urged a stimulus package to be passed "sooner rather than later."

"If it does not get done in a lame-duck session (of Congress), it would be the first thing I get done after I become the president of the United States," he said.


U.S. President-elect Barack Obama speaks on Friday at his first press conference after he won the presidential elections. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)


Those which were also mentioned as priorities included further expansion of unemployment benefit and working out policy options to help auto industry adjust, "the backbone of American manufacturing and a critical part of our attempt to reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

Obama said that he was also planning to review the implementation of the current financial program to ensure it is stabilizing financial markets, protecting taxpayers and helping homeowners.

While addressing immediate economic challenges, the transitional government should move forward with long-term policies to "grow our middle class and strengthen our economy."

"We cannot afford to wait on moving forward on the key priorities that I identified during the campaign, including clean energy, health care, education, and tax relief for middle-class families."

When asked whether Obama would announce his cabinet members, he said that although the issue is equally as important as economy, he was not be so rushed on the decision and would roll out the list next week.

On his first meeting with current president, George W. Bush, at the White House on Monday, Obama said that he was not going to anticipate problems but to seek partnership since the immediate priority is to make economy work.

To add some humor to the first public appearance as the president-elect, Obama responded with a joke to a reporter's question about the dog the future first family is to bring to the White House.

"With respect to the dog, this is a major issue. I think it has generated more interest on our website than just about anything," Obama said, adding that he was looking for a dog that is a hypoallergenic breed producing fewer allergic reactions, and from an animal shelter, where dog are often mixed-breeds.
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Venezuela, Russia drill first gas well

CARACAS, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Venezuela and Russia Friday began drilling the first gas well in the Gulf of Venezuela, an area abound with natural gas resources.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez told national radio and TV chain that "as we launched one week ago the first satellite of Venezuela, now we drill the first gas well in our Gulf."

Venezuelan state-owned oil company PDVSA and Russian Gazprom jointly launched the project called Rafael Urdaneta near the state of Falcon, on the west coast of Venezuela.

Chavez said it is a historical event in Venezuela, "because we were liberated from the neo-colonial model. Here we are with our Russian, U.S. and Canadian friends with the technology."

"Venezuela is now free with allies like Russia... We will be together for ever," Chavez said during his speech.

Urdaneta field has three wells: Urumau I and Urumau II, which will be exploited by PDVSA and Gazprom. Field Cardozo will be exploited by the U.S. Chevron and PDVSA.

Chavez proposed that Russia should build a gas pipeline of 50 km for the people and industries in Paraguana in Falcon, northwest from the gas field.

The yearly investment for the project Rafael Urdaneta will be 6million U.S. dollars.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin congratulated Chavez as well as PDVSA and Gazprom officials, expressing thanks to the president for his efforts to help realize this project.

Sechin said that the joint project marks the beginning of a great undertaking.
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Liu Xiang likely to undergo tendon surgery in U.S.


China's Liu Xiang (L) prepares prior to the first round competition of men's 110m hurdles at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 18, 2008. The defending champion Liu Xiang dropped out after getting injury. (Xinhua/Li Ga)



SHANGHAI, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese hurdles star Liu Xiang will probably have surgery in the United States on an Achilles injury that forced him to withdraw from this summer's Beijing Olympics, his coach said.

Sun Haiping, who previously said surgery would be a last resort, and Liu spent the past week in the United States seeking advice on treatment.

"We were less worried about the operation after hearing the U.S. medical experts' advice. They all said it is necessary and safe," Sun told reporters Friday after returning from the United States.

"What's more, the three calcifications between his bone and tendon could not be removed in any other way but through surgery."

Sun added that they would soon consult with domestic doctors to produce the final treatment plan.

Liu became China's first male Olympic gold medallist in track and field when he won the 110m hurdles at the Athens Games in 2004by equaling then-world record of 11.91 seconds. He was widely expected to defend his Olympic title on home soil in August, but pulled out at the start of his first heat due to the Achilles tendon injury.

The 25-year-old Shanghai native has since been treated with traditional Chinese medicine and massage therapy.
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China's veteran pair hope to bow out in 2010 with an Olympic medal

BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Chinese pair Pang Qing and Tong Jian had been tipped to open a new era in figure skating when they won the world championships title in 2006. But it seemed not the reality.

Pang and Tong had to settle for a bronze medal here on Friday in the International Skating Union Grand Prix Cup of China, failing to end their title draught in major international events since the world championships success.

To the music of a selection of passionate Tango, Pang and Tong, in red-and-black costume, delivered a smooth performance in free skating on Friday. However, they were forced to cancel some movements due to Tong's injury, and two lapses in single jumps cost them seven points.

"We were supposed to do a two-and-a-half jump, but I'm suffering from an Achilles's tendon injury and it didn't allow me to finish that movement." Pang said at the post-competition press conference.

Tong sprained his ankle in August and rested for nearly a month. The injury aggravated as he intensified training to prepare for a national competition in October.

"I once really thought about quitting, but I chose to persist. Because I believe we still have potential to tap even after our success in 2006," said Tong.

"Besides, we don't want to leave with an unrealized Olympic dream," added the 29-year-old.

Pang and Tong finished fourth in the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.

"Everyone has a dream, we hope to fulfill our Olympic dream in Vancouver 2010, which is our third Winter Olympics, or maybe the last one," said Pang.
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China willing to assist S. Africa in hosting FIFA World Cup


Liu Qi (L), a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, meets with Mathews Phosa, treasurer general of the African National Congress of South Africa, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 7, 2008.(Xinhua Photo)


BEIJING, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- China is willing to help South Africa in hosting the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a senior Communist Party of China (CPC) official said here on Friday.

Liu Qi, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks during a meeting with Mathews Phosa, the treasurer general of the African National Congress of South Africa (ANC)

Phosa congratulated China on the success of the Beijing Olympics and said he hoped to use China's successful experience as a reference in the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Liu, also secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee, appreciated the ANC's efforts to strengthen relations between the two parties and the two countries.

Briefing Phosa on China's Olympics experience, Liu said the games not only achieved sporting success but created spiritual and material benefits.

As to the spiritual aspect, he said the game popularized the Olympic spirit among Chinese people and enhanced understanding between Chinese people and the people of the world.

"The infrastructure construction of the Olympic games laid a good foundation for urban development and people's livelihood," he added.
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Big two kick off match day 10 in Spain

MADRID, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Real Madrid and FC Barcelona both have home matches to kick off the 10th round of matches in the Spanish Primera Liga.

Real Madrid needs a win over Malaga to put a stop to doubts that have arisen after their failure to win any of their last three games. Bernd Schuster's side lost 2-3 to Real Union, drew 1-1 away to Almeria and was beaten 2-0 at home by Juventus in the Champions League this Wednesday.

That has raised questions over the ability of Bernd Schuster's side to seriously compete this season and Schuster will have problems picking his 11 on Saturday night.

Arjen Robben is out for six weeks with a torn muscle in his groin, while defenders Pepe and Sergio Ramos are also struggling to be fit.

Malaga meanwhile wants to get back on track after a four game-winning run ended with a 1-4 home defeat to Barcelona last weekend.

Barcelona saw their own run of 11 straight wins end with a 1-1 draw in the Champions League at home to Basel on Tuesday night, but will be favorites at home to Valladolid.

Andres Iniesta and Eric Abidal are injured for Barcelona, but coach Pep Guardiola can call on the services of Alexander Hleb, Thierry Henry, Seydou Keita and Sylvinho to cover their absences.

The rest of the games are played out on Sunday, with third placed Villarreal entertaining Almeria and fourth placed Valencia, who could only draw 1-1 against Copenhagen in the UEFA Cup on Wednesday night, are away to seventh placed Getafe.

Valencia coach Unai Emery will certainly have striker David Villa back in his starting 11.

Sevilla needs to end a run of poor results when they entertain local rivals Recreativo Huelva in the Sanchez Pizjuan stadium. Coach Manolo Jimenez is under pressure after four straight defeats, but will be without strikers Freddy Kanoute, Deigo Capel and Luis Fabiano through injury and suspension for what is a vital match.

Another side in a disastrous run of form, Athletic Club Bilbao, travel to Mallorca, where they will face former striker Aritz Aduriz. Aduriz was sold this summer against the wishes of the Athletic fans and should he score on Sunday, Athletic coach Joaquin Caparros will be seriously questioned.

Osasuna aim for their first win of the campaign at home to an Atletico Madrid capable of producing either excellent or disastrous football, depending on the day. Atletico will travel with their morale buoyed by an excellent Champions League display against Liverpool in Anfield.

Elsewhere Sporting Gijon go for their fifth consecutive league win away to struggling Racing Santander, Betis travel to fellow strugglers Numancia, and Deportivo la Coruna entertain Espanyol in the Riazor stadium.
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Simeone resigns as River Plate coach

BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- River Plate coach Diego Simeone resigned on Friday and he will coach his last match with River on Sunday against Huracan club during the opening local tournament.

Simeone informed his decision to River's directors in Guadalajara, Mexico, after River was eliminated on Thursday night by the Mexican club Chivas from the quarterfinal of the South American Cup.

Simeone, 38-year-old, took charge as River's coach at the end of 2007 and conquered six months of the closing 2008 tournament, but a current string of poor results at the local tournament, which is the worst of its history and the elimination from the South American Cup, precipitated his resignation.
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"Sad Night" for Boca and River

BUENOS AIRES, Nov. 7 (Xinhua) -- Argentine press on Friday lamented the "Sad Night" of Boca Juniors and River Plate, the two most important teams in Argentina that were eliminated at the South American Cup quarterfinals.

"Can not believe it!" the press said when referring to the tie 2-2 of River Plate with Mexican team Chivas club during a match in Guadalajara, Mexico, River's coach Diego Simeone is about to resign.

Local daily "Clarin" said that River "played an impeccable first half, like champions", but during the second half "the team made mistakes twice and finished out of the Cup."

"This is River: the last champion and the last tournament. A team that goes with everything and makes five, six, seven clear goal situations but it does not fulfill them, the other team attacks two or three times and are able to tie," the press said.

Argentines Juniors-Estudiantes de la Plata and Chivas-Inter will play the semifinals of the South America Cup.
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Mexican gov't holds funeral for aircraft crash victims


Relatives of Interior Minister Juan Camilo Mourino attend a funeral held by the Mexican government in Mexico City Nov. 6, 2008 to honour the victims who died in an aircraft crash on Nov. 4. Mexican President Felipe Calderon on Thursday paid homage at the ceremony to Interior Minister Juan Camilo Mourino and the other people who died in the aircraft crash in Mexico City, and promised a thorough investigation into the accident. (Xinhua/Pool Contreras)


Mexican President Felipe Calderon (2nd L) and his wife attend a funeral in Mexico City Nov. 6, 2008 to honour the victims who died in an aircraft crash on Nov. 4. Felipe Calderon on Thursday paid homage at the ceremony to Interior Minister Juan Camilo Mourino and the other people who died in the aircraft crash in Mexico City, and promised a thorough investigation into the accident. (Xinhua/Pool Contreras)
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