Barcelona beat Porto to lift European Super Cup

Barcelona beat Porto to lift European Super Cup

Barcelona's Cesc Fabregas (2nd L) celebrates his goal against Porto with his teammates during their European Super Cup soccer match at Louis II stadium in Monaco, August 26, 2011.

Barcelona's David Villa (L) and Cesc Fabregas pose with the trophy after they beat Porto in their European Super Cup soccer match at Louis II stadium in Monaco August 26, 2011.

Barcelona's captain Xavi Hernandez holds the trophy as they celebrate their victory against Porto in their European Super Cup soccer match at Louis II stadium in Monaco, August 26, 2011.

Barcelona's Lionel Messi (L) celebrates his goal against Porto with teammates during their European Super Cup soccer match at Louis II stadium in Monaco August 26, 2011.

(Reuters)

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Kiplagat leads Kenya marathon sweep at Daegu worlds

Kiplagat leads Kenya marathon sweep at Daegu worlds

DAEGU, South Korea - Edna Ngeringwony Kiplagat of Kenya took the first gold medal of the World Championships in the women's marathon in this South Korean city on Saturday morning, by clocking 2:28.43 hours.

Her Kenyan teammate Priscah Jeptoo took the silver, 17 seconds behind Kiplagat. Sharon Jemutai Cherop, also from Kenya, took the bronze by clocking 2:29.14, which is her personal season best.

Edna Kiplagat of Kenya celebrates winning the women's marathon final at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu August 27, 2011.

The winner's timing is far poorer than the world record of 2:15.25, which was created by former British runner Radcliffe Paula in London in 2003. It was also poorer than Kiplagat's personal best of 2:20.46, which she achieved at last November's ING New York City Marathon.

The timing partly resulted from the sweltering conditions in Daegu, though the weather was much cooler on Saturday than previous days.

The three Kenyan runners began their collective hunt for the medals after running some 35 kilometers togather with other competitors, and since then they continued their lead all the way to the finish line.

Bezunesh Bekele from Ethiopia, Africa's another formidable athletics power, ranked the fourth by clocking 2:29.21. Japan's Yukiko Akaba was the fifth.

Zhu Xiaolin of China was the sixth by clocking 2:29.58. Her teammate Wang Jiali ranked the eighth by running 2:30.25. Another Chinese runner Chen Rong was the 11th. ( The Chinese team ranked the second, by clocking 7:31.34 hours collectively, after Kenya's 7:26.57. Such performance by the Chinese runners was better, if not much better, than expectations since China had fielded a team without defending world champion Bai Xue and Zhou Chunxiu.

Bai Xue snatched the gold at the Berlin World Championships in 2009 by surprise, while Zhou took the gold medal at the 2006 Asian Games in Doha and won the silver medal at the 2007 World Championships in Osaka.

Zhu told Xinhua at the finish line that she was satisfied with the mark.

Edna Kiplagat of Kenya holds up her gold medal after winning the women's marathon final at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu August 27, 2011.

"My goal is better than the eighth place. Today's timing gives me more confidence. I wish I can enter the London Olympics, and could have better performance there," she said, admitting there is some gap between her and world's top runners like those from Kenya.

Zhu said the weather in Daegu is a bit sweltering so that better results are unlikely.

Gao Shijun, a coach with the Chinese marathon team, was also pleased with the team's results.

"Our runners have basically met our target. After all, the Chinese team lags behind strong teams such as Kenya. ... since some team members debut the marathon race internationally here in Daegu," he said.

Edna Kiplagat of Kenya (R) celebrates winnng the women's marathon with teammates, second-placed Priscah Jeptoo (2nd L) and Sharon Cherop (2nd R), as fourth-placed Bezunesh Bekele of Ethiopia (L) walks behind them, at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu August 27, 2011.

Edna Kiplagat of Kenya reacts after winning the women's marathon final at the IAAF World Championships in Daegu August 27, 2011.

(Xinhua)

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Big three ready as 110m hurdles showdown looms

Big three ready as 110m hurdles showdown looms

David Oliver of the US (L) and Dayron Robles of Cuba compete in the men's 110m hurdles event during the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting at the Stade de France Stadium in Saint-Denis, near Paris, July 8, 2011.

DAEGU, South Korea - The world's three fastest men are gearing up for the men's 110m hurdles at the World Championships in this South Korean city. Cuba's Dayron Robles said Friday the game would be "complicated" while American David Oliver admitted it would be "very very tough".

Daegu will see the first Championship clash of hurdling's current big three - world record holder and 2008 Olympic champion Robles, former World record holder and 2004 Olympic champion China's Liu Xiang, and 2011's fastest man Oliver. They are also the three fastest hurdlers in the history of the event - Robles, 12. 87 seconds, Liu 12.88, Oliver 12.89.

The final here, should all three men make it, will be their first meeting in a final at a global championships. All three were in Osaka 2007, but Oliver failed to make the final which Liu won. Robles was fourth.

Each of the big three comes to Daegu with some question marks against their form. Liu has raced sparingly, trading wins with Oliver in the Shanghai and Eugene SDL races, before winning the Asian championship in Kobe.

One phrase kept popping up during the formal part of Robles' media conference at Daegu Sports Museum on Friday. "It's complicated," he inserted somewhere in almost every answer. "One mistake and you're dead," he said.

Robles said he wanted the gold medal in Daegu, and he had a finite time at the top and he must use it to acquire championship medals. "I need to win every medal I can. I'm working hard to stay at the top every year."

He ran his fastest time for the season at the London Samsung Diamond League - his 13.04 repelling the challenge of the USA's emerging Jason Richardson, Oliver, Dwight Thomas, and the third American in Daegu, Aries Merritt.

The 25-year old Cuban hurdler said he began 2011 at about "80- 90 percent fitness," but "in the last competition in London, I felt better. It was my best competition of the season. It is better to be coming here getting faster."

"I'm training hard, but there are so many things. Maybe you have some injury, maybe a poor start, you hit some hurdles - you never know what happens.

"You have 10 hurdles. You need to look in your own lane and prepare to run very fast."

Robles said he does not think about records. "I think about the perfect race," he said, while admitting he may never run it. "Only after I run I check the clock, but that's it."

Also in the day, Oliver told a press conference of the US team that the game would "really really tough", with most of the best hurdlers in the world in Daegu and the tight competition schedule.

"I think it will be really tough. We all knew coming into the season it was going to be about mastering these three rounds in 24 hours' time. But my main rival is always the same - the hurdles," he said.

Oliver, who missed the 2009 World Championships in Berlin due to injury, said, "We've got the three fastest people in the event. We're in the spotlight which I think is cool and I'm sure we'll go out there and perform like we usually do."

David Oliver (L) of the US leads Liu Xiang (R) of China in the 110m hurdles at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League track meet in Eugene, Oregon June 4, 2011.

But the 29-year-old Olympic bronze medalist said he was not nervous. "I'm never nervous. I've raced them several times and I talk to them all the time. It is the same people who are going to be in the final, and the same people in the Diamand races.

"They're pretty cool guys. Liu's English is becoming better and Robles' is a lot better than we met in 2006... They are all pretty cool," Oliver said.

Oliver is the only one of the three under 13 seconds, with his 12.94 in Eugene (to Liu's 13.00). But his form has dipped of late and he has lost both to teammate Richardson and Robles.

He said the start would be definitely a critical part. "You got to execute the start and if you can do that, everything will be taken care of."

With the world's three fastest men all in Daegu, is a new world record possible? Oliver said he can't make any predictions. "I just want to make sure that I can go out there and try to win the gold medal."

While Robles said maybe it will take a world record to win the gold medal in Daegu and anything is possible.

(Xinhua)

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Messi wins Europe best player award

Messi wins Europe best player award

Barcelona's Lionel Messi, who was named the Best Player in Europe for the 2010-11 season, poses with his award during the Champions League draw in Monaco, Aug 25, 2011.

MONACO - Lionel Messi won the inaugural UEFA Best Player in Europe award on Thursday, finishing ahead of Barcelona teammate Xavi and Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo.

The vote, conducted by sports journalists representing each of UEFA's member associations, was organised with the idea of reviving the spirit of the former European Footballer of the Year award which is now known as the Ballon D'Or and organised by soccer's ruling body FIFA.

Messi, the overwhelming winner, collected his prize during the Champions League group-stage draw at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco.

The Argentine international hit 53 goals last season, including 12 in the Champions League where he finished top scorer for the third successive season.

UEFA President Michel Platini (R) poses with Barcelona's Lionel Messi, who was named the Best Player in Europe for the 2010-11 season, during the Champions League draw in Monaco, Aug 25, 2011.


Messi's last European goal of the season was the second in Barcelona's 3-1 final win over Manchester United in May and he also helped his club to a third straight La Liga title.

The 24-year-old, already the World Footballer of the Year, said: "I keep all these awards at home and I still have some space for more ... thanks to my teammates for helping me achieve this."

Barcelona will meet Europa League winners Porto in the European Super Cup on Friday.

(Agencies)

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Liu Xiang spearheads Team China to Daegu meet

Liu Xiang spearheads Team China to Daegu meet

China's star hurdler Liu Xiang is welcomed by local fans as he arrives in Daegu, South Korea, for the upcoming Athletics World Championships, Aug 25, 2011.

Liu Xiang arrives at the airport in Daegu, South Korea, for the upcoming Athletics World Championships, Aug 25, 2011.

With the recovery of the star hurdler Liu Xiang and the emerging race walking trio, China is expecting two to three medals in the upcoming IAAF World Championships in Daegu slated for Aug 28 to Sept 4.

"Our goal is to win two to three medals in Daegu. But it is difficult to dope out the colour of the medals," said Feng Shuyong, head coach of the Chinese athletics team, during a Thursday's news conference.

The 58-athletes team, including two substitutes, is headed-up by former Olympic and world champion Liu Xiang. The 28-year-old Liu, flag-bearer of the country's athletics, has fully recovered from injuries and the Osaka worlds champion in 2007 is ready to repeat his gold-winning feet in Daegu.

However, it will not be easy for Liu, who has been striving to return to his peak form, to fulfil his ambition as he is still trying to smooth his new-adopted technique of approaching the first hurdle with seven steps instead of eight.

David Oliver of America showed a strong and consistent performance in the recent two seasons and the 29-year-old is still leading a season best of 12.94 seconds compared with Liu's personal season best of 13.00 second.

The world record holder Dayron Robles, who has also come back from injuries recently also will be of great competitiveness in Daegu with his season best being 13.04.

Moreover, Jason Richardson of American, who clocked a personal best of 13.08 early this month, will also pose great threat to Liu.

"Liu is in a good technical and physical condition now. He has recovered from his injuries and showed a high quality in his daily training, "said Feng. "But it will be the first time for him to run three races in two days since his injury in 2008. The intensity will be a big challenge for him. Currently Liu is busy with the final preparation work in Shanghai, under the guidance of his coach Sun Haiping."

"If Liu can clock a final time of 13.00 to 13.05, he will have a good chance to cruise to the podium. And the gold-winning time might be between 12.95 to 13.00," forecasted Feng.

Liu's return is definitely a good news, but the withdrawal of reigning women's marathon champ Bai Xue is a big blow for China.

And Wang Hao, who won a men's 20km race walking silver in 2009 Berlin worlds, will also be ruled out due to a haunting leg injury.

However, the absence of Wang will be well made up by the emerging trio of Wang Zhen, Chu Yafei and Chen Ding, who have swept the top five world leading times in 2011.

The rising star Wang Zhen, who will turn 20 next week, showed a solid performance by claiming a series of titles this season, including the test event for London Games in May and set a season leading time of one hour, 18 minutes, 36 seconds at the 9th Memorial Mario Albisetti in March.

Meanwhile, China will also be competitive in events like women's shot put, discus throw and hammer throw.

Hammer thrower Zhang Wenxiu set a new Asian record of 75.65 meters in June and Li Yanfeng keeps a world leading result of 67.98 in discus throw.

Feng believe that how to maintain their consistency in the World Championships is a big question for the Chinese athletes, especially the inexperienced and nervous young athletes.

"We have assembled a relatively young squad this time as 32 out of the 58 athletes have never competed in Olympic Games or World Championship," said Feng. "Lack of confidence and experience may lead to instability in their performance."

The Chinese athletes, who won one gold, one silver and two bronzes in 2009 in Berlin, will compete in 23 events in Daegu.

Liu Xiang is interviewed before leaving for Daegu, South Korea, to attend the upcoming Athletics World Championships at the Shanghai Hongqiao International airport, Aug 25, 2011.

Liu Xiang arrives at the Shanghai Hongqiao International airport before he leaves for Daegu, South Korea, to attend the upcoming Athletics World Championships, Aug 25, 2011.

(Xinhua)

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'Blade Runner' Pistorious ready for Daegu challenge

'Blade Runner' Pistorious ready for Daegu challenge

Oscar Pistorius of South Africa wears his prosthetic running blades during a training session for the IAAF Daegu 2011 World Championships in Daegu, Aug 24, 2011.

LONDON - Oscar Pistorius will become the first amputee sprinter to compete at a World Championships against able-bodied rivals later this month but the South African accepts there will always be voices saying his carbon-fibre prosthetic blades give him an advantage.

Far from getting him down, however, the doubters spur him on and fuel his desire to reach greater heights.

The 24-year-old double amputee, nicknamed "Blade Runner," has been selected to run in the 400 metres and 4 x 400m relay in Daegu, South Korea, after smashing his personal best last month to meet the qualifying time.

That success was the fruition of two and a half years of hard training, he said.

Pistorius celebrated another notable achievement in his career with an eye-catching time of 45.07 seconds, not far behind Grenadan teenager Kirani James's 44.61 effort in London, the fastest one lap the year.

However, a leading South African sports scientist Dr Ross Tucker said allowing him to run at the World Championships was a "farce".

"I don't like being called, in essence, a cheat, when I know how hard I work," Pistorius told Reuters in a telephone interview from his home in Pretoria after enduring a heavy training session in cold temperatures and through a hailstorm.

"I graft extremely hard and have sacrificed a lot to get where I am. If my prosthetic legs gave me such an advantage then every paralympic athlete would be running the same times I run.

"I know that I would never be in this sport if I had the smallest doubt in my mind that I had an advantage. Ninety-nine percent of people do know what the facts are and I can't be bothered with the one percent that don't."

Mixed emotions

Pistorius, born without a fibula in both legs, fought long and hard for the right to line up on the track in able-bodied competition.

Initially banned from running in able-bodied events by the International Association of Athletics Federations in 2007 he appealed successfully to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and the decision was revoked in 2008.

Oscar Pistorius of South Africa runs on his prosthetic running blades during a training session for the IAAF Daegu 2011 World Championship in Daegu, Aug 24, 2011.

The sport's highest court determined that Pistorius's biomechanics were only tested at full-speed when he was running in a straight line (unlike a real 400m race).

He has little time for the scientists who maintain his blades allow him to run at the same speed as able-bodied athletes while using less energy.

While he says he has the full support of the IAAF and respect from his competitors, it is those "outside the athletics fraternity" who are stirring the pot.

"It's a minority of people that don't agree with the science that has been done, that are very vocal and maybe ill-informed," Pistorius said. "I've come to terms with the fact that I will always have people that criticise me. I can't spend the rest of my career worrying about it. Everybody is entitled to their opinion ... but it is not my job to prove them wrong.

"I'm not a scientist, I'm an athlete. The IAAF are very happy to have me in their races and my competitors are happy."

Pistorius said he was in great shape for his World Championships bow from Aug 27-Sept 4 in Daegu where he is sure to generate plenty of attention.

"I'm very excited ... a bit nervous... a lot of mixed emotions but they are all positive," he said.

"It's an amazing time in my career to be able to qualify to run in an IAAF World Championships... at such a prestigious event. It's also a learning curve. I need to go there and run my best, be open-minded and gather as much experience as I can for next year's competition and the future."

(Agencies)

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'Best' Universiade comes to an end

'Best' Universiade comes to an end

SHENZHEN, Guangdong - Praising the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen as the best ever, Claude-Louis Gallien, president of the International University Sports Federation, closed the games on Tuesday.

Two representatives from Kazan, Russia, which will hold the next Universiade in 2013, accompany Igor Shuvalov, first deputy prime minister of Russia, as he brandishes the flag of the International University Sports Federation at the closing ceremony of the 26th Universiade in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, on Tuesday.

The games were the largest ever, involving a record 10,603 participants, with 7,132 athletes and 3,471 officials from 151 countries and regions. It also provided the most events, at 24, producing 949 medals.

Three Universiade records were broken in athletics, swimming and archery.

China topped the gold medal list with a record 75, followed by Russia, 43, and South Korea, 27. China's haul broke the record of 69 gold medals set by the former Soviet Union delegation 38 years ago. The Chinese delegation also won the highest number of medals in Universiade history - 145 - followed by Russia, 131, and Japan, 87.

"Four years ago, Shenzhen promised the world that we would make a difference to the Summer Universiade. Today, I am proud to say that we have fully completed our promise and provided the most successful Universiade in history," said Huang Guoqiang, a spokesman for the games.

During the games, not a single case of doping was found, nor any accidents concerned with food safety or medical safety issues were reported, officials said.

The event was "a safe, efficient, fair and healthy Universiade", Huang said.

Some 1.27 million citizens worked as volunteers for the games, whether in the venues, in the Athletes Village or on the streets. Owners of more than 430,000 vehicles voluntarily suspended their cars during the Universiade.

"My husband, my daughter and I watched the Universiade every night and we truly enjoyed the whole event. It brought us a lot of pleasure, and I think most people in Shenzhen will share my feeling," a local resident surnamed Meng told China Daily.

Huang said the city could benefit from such achievements in the long term.

"For Shenzhen, the Universiade was not only a sport event but a precious chance to enhance the infrastructure, promote international cultural communication and lift the young city's culture," Huang said.

"The games further opened the door for the special economic zone to encourage it to develop into an international city with greater economic openness and a wider horizon," said Huang.

"We have shared the tears and joys of the young athletes around the world in the past 12 days. We witnessed their success in the competitions and joined their happiness here in Shenzhen," concluded Huang.

(China Daily)

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Serena seeded 28th for US Open; Wozniacki on top

Serena seeded 28th for US Open; Wozniacki on top

Serena Williams of the U.S. serves to Lucie Hradecka of the Czech Republic during their first round match at the 2011 Cincinnati Open tennis tournament in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 16, 2011.


NEW YORK - Serena Williams was seeded a lowly 28th for the Aug. 29-Sept. 11 US Open as tournament organisers opted to rigidly follow the current rankings rather than reward her for outstanding past performances.

Williams, the dominant figure in women's tennis over the past decade, had already won the US Open three times but the former world number one's ranking tumbled after spending almost a year away from the game because of health problems.

The 29-year-old American returned to the courts in June and won back-to-back tournaments in California and Toronto to climb back to 29th in the world rankings after falling to 175.

She was bumped up one place for the US Open after last year's champion and world number three Kim Clijsters withdrew because of injury, but officials stopped short of elevating the 13-time grand slam champion much higher.

"After careful deliberation regarding Serena Williams' seeding, we decided to maintain the objective criteria in place to determine the women's singles seeds at this year's US Open," US Open tournament director Jim Curley said in a statement.

Although the US Open traditionally sticks with the world rankings, other grand slams have used their discretion to promote top players returning from injury.

At Wimbledon in June, Williams was elevated to seventh seed despite it being only her second tournament after a long layoff during which she suffered a foot injury and was diagnosed with life-threatening blood clots in her lungs.

Williams' sister Venus, a two-time US Open champion, was not seeded at all because her current ranking is 36th.

Denmark's Caroline Wozniacki, who has never won a grand slam but was a finalist at the US Open two years ago, was named top seed because she holds the number one ranking.

Russia's Vera Zvonareva, also chasing her first grand slam title after making the 2010 finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, was seeded second while former world number one Maria Sharapova was third.

Victoria Azarenka was fourth followed by Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova, French Open champion Li Na and last year's French Open winner Francesca Schiavone.

The men's seedings were due to be released on Wednesday before both singles draws were made.

(Agencies)

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Japan outclasses Britain to win 5th Universiade soccer title

Japan outclasses Britain to win 5th Universiade soccer title

British forward Mark Anderson (10) fights for the ball with Japanese players in the Universiade men's soccer finals at the Shenzhen Stadium in Shenzhen, Aug 22, 2011.

Japan claimed the Universiade title for the fifth time after beating Great Britain 2-0 in the men's soccer final Monday night.

The dual between the countries with a time-honored soccer tradition and an emerging Asian soccer powerhouse drew local fans to the Shenzhen Stadium.

The two sides, which clashed with each other in the group stage and ended with Japan's 1-0 victory over Britain, aroused roaring chants from the bleachers when they entered the main pitch.

The British team amused local fans first by throwing gifts and kicking footballs to the bleachers 25 minutes before the game. The Brits then, carrying a banner reading "Thank You Shenzhen," ran around the soccer field, lightening up spectators' enthusiasm for the final showdown.

The Japanese side opened the match with a series of shots. In the 3rd minute, Japan's midfielder and skipper Miyasaka Masaki made an attempt on goal when he got the ball just over the half way mark, but it was blocked by the British goalie Nicholas Jupp. In the next five minutes, the Japanese repeatedly tried to score with swift and agile passes.

The British side started their offense in the 14th minute when its forward Mark Anderson got a pass from midfielder Jack Winter on the right and hit a header, but the ball flew out.

One minute later, Anderson drove the ball all the way to the Japanese penalty area, but couldn't break loose of the Japanese defender and was forced out. Minutes later, Anderson shot the ball again on the left of the goal, but was blocked by Japanese goalie Masuda Takuya.

Around the 22nd minute, British goalie Jupp foiled two shots from the rival, when Japanese Shiina Nobuyuki made a long shot from the left, followed by another shot from the right.

Kawamoto Akito of Japan celebrates scoring against Britain in the Universiade men's soccer finals at the Shenzhen Stadium in Shenzhen, Aug 22, 2011.

The Japanese broke into the rival's net in the 29th minute, when budding star Kawamoto Akito got a long pass from midfielder Musaka Mitsunari, tearing the Britain's backline defense and head-butting a goal.

Britain made two substitutions and intensified the offense after the second half began.

In the 58th minute, Japan's Maruyama Yuichi earned Japan a penalty kick after he was fouled by British defender Scott McCubbin. Japan's national team member Yamamura Kazuya converted the penalty into a goal. Japan took the lead 2-0.

Japan made another round of attack in the 78th minute. Musaka drove the ball to the left of the penalty area, and passed it to Kawamoto, who positioned in front of the penalty area but struck the ball on the post.

"Though Japan won the game 2-0, Britain is also a wonderful team. I'm not sure whether we could win if we were to play it again." said Japan's head coach Nakano Yuji at the news conference after the finals.

Japan has a sound system of nurturing soccer players, and that's why it got its place in the Asia Cup and the World Cup, said the coach.

As for the tactics Japan adopted to win the game, Nakano Yuji said, the final was a hard game, but Japan stemmed the height advantage of the British players.

British head coach Ellis James congratulated Japan for the victory, and encouraged his players, "Getting to the final is a very big thing for the British team. We haven't been this far in the tournament ever, so I'd like to congratulate my players… I would also like to thank people from Shenzhen for hosting such a wonderful game and looking after us. We hope to see you real soon."

Moses Craig Peter (C) of Great Britain fights for the ball with Japanese players in the Universiade men's soccer finals at the Shenzhen Stadium in Shenzhen, Aug 22, 2011.

Britain's head coach Ellis James (L) and Japan's head coach Nakano Yuji (R) pose for a photo during a news conference after the men's soccer finals at the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, Aug 22, 2011.

The British players demonstrate a banner reading "Thank You Shenzhen" before the men's soccer finals against Japan at the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen, Aug 22, 2011.

(china daily)

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Brazil lifts U20 World Cup title

Brazil lifts U20 World Cup title

Brazil's players celebrate after winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup final in Bogota, August 20, 2011.


BOGOTA - Brazil clinched a 3-2 extra-time victory over Portugal in the under-20 World Cup soccer final on Saturday.

Oscar completed his hat-trick with the match-winner in the 111th minute. He had scored in the fifth and 78th minute.

Portuguese scorers were Alex in the ninth minute and Nelson Oliveira in the 59th.

Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos and FIFA President Joseph S. Blatter (L) give to Brazil's Bruno Uvini the trophy after the team won the FIFA U-20 World Cup final soccer match against Portugal in Bogota August 20, 2011.

Brazil's Henrique holds the Golden Boot award after their team defeated Portugal in the FIFA U-20 World Cup final in Bogota August 20, 2011.

Brazil's Negueba is lifted by an unidentified teammate after their team beat Portugal in extra time during the FIFA U-20 World Cup final soccer match in Bogota, August 20, 2011.

Brazil's Henrique (R) and Portugal's Mario Rui compete for the ball during their FIFA U-20 World final soccer match in Bogota August 20, 2011.

(Xinhua)

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Host China takes women's footbal title at Universiade

Host China takes women's footbal title at Universiade

Chinese players throw their coach in the air in celebrating their victory over Japan in the women's football final game at the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen August 21, 2011.

SHENZHEN - Host China came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in overtime and won the women's football gold medal at 2011 Shenzhen Universiade here on Sunday after 18 years' waiting.

In 1993 Buffalo Universiade, in which women's football made its debut at Universiade, China defeated United States 2-1 to win the gold. From then on, Chinese women's football team only made into the Universiade finals once, which they were runner-up at the 2005 Izmir Universiade.

After eliminating Brazil through shooting-out in the semifinals, China played against Japan who finished second place in last University Games.

China's Wang Shanshan (top) controls the ball as a Japanese player tries to challenge her during the women's football final at the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen August 21, 2011.


Japan took the lead at the 33rd minutes. Ami Otaki stole the ball from China's Xu Yanfen and passed it to Hikari Nakade, who shot the ball under the defence of two Chinese players to the lower-left corner. China's goalkeeper Wang Fei, who saved two penalties in the shooting-out against Brazil in the semifinals on Friday, made the wrong judgement and witnessed the ball hit the net.

Japanese' goalkeeper Sakiko Ikeda made a bad pass at the 55th minute and Zhao Rong got the possession of the ball and passed it to Pang Fengyue. Pang headed the ball in and tied the score.

Xu Yanfen made up for her mistake during the overtime. Chinese captain Bi Yan's corner kick was punched by Ikeda. Xu reached the ball and her shoot hit the bar. Fan Tingting headed the ball into the net and seized the victory for the host.

China's Wang Shanshan (top) controls the ball as she leaps over a Japanese player during the women's football final at the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen August 21, 2011.

Team China cheers on the podium during the awarding ceremony of the women's football game at the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen August 21, 2011.

Chinese spectators display slogans reading "come on, iron roses" during the women's football final game at the 26th Summer Universiade in Shenzhen August 21, 2011. "Iron rose" is the nickname addressed the national women's football players in China.

(Xinhua)

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