♦ Beijing Olympics an opportunity for China, world: Hu Jintao

According to Xinhua, he also said there has never been a greater need for people in the world to understand, accommodate and cooperate with each other, as the world faces both unprecedented development opportunities and grave challenges. "The Olympic Games is a great sporting event and it also offers a platform for cultural exchanges," Hu added. He said the modern Olympic Movement, born in 1894...	1 vote

♦ Superb Moore puts Worcs in charge

Stephen Moore made his fourth County Championship century of the season as Worcestershire finished day three comfortably on top against Derbyshire. The hosts bowled Derbys out for 343 in their first innings with Simon Jones taking 5-110 from his 28 overs. They scored quickly to build on their lead of 107 and declared on 296-3 in their second innings...	1 vote

♦ Arthur's 'Mother Cricket' turns on Vaughan

More images Leeds: South Africa coach Mickey Arthur said England captain Michael Vaughan had got what he deserved from "Mother Cricket" after the first day of the second Test here at Headingley was overshadowed by two controversial examples of disputed catches. Before lunch...	1 vote

♦ Celtic to release Balde on free

The 32-year-old Guinea international has a year of his contract to run but has not been a first team regular under manager Gordon Strachan. Bolton were keen on the centre half in January but Balde picked up an injury at the African Nations Cup. This time last year, Balde turned down an approach from Sunderland, who were prepared to pay 1.5m for him.	1 vote

♦ Police halt probe into threat against boxing champ Pavlik

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (AP) Police have closed an investigation without making an arrest into middleweight boxing champion Kelly Pavlik's complaint that a former sponsor threatened to shoot his hands so he couldn't fight again. Pavlik filed a police report June 30 in Boardman Township, a suburb of Pavlik's hometown Youngstown. Pavlik told police some associates warned him about the threat.	1 vote

♦ Burnley close in on Peru keeper

Burnley have signed Peruvian international goalkeeper Diego Penny, subject to a successful appeal over his work permit. The 24-year-old made over 150 appearances for Peru Primera Division side Coronel Bolognesi, winners of the Clausara league in 2007. "I've been trying since December to sign him," Burnley manager Owen Coyle told BBC Radio Lancashire.	1 vote

♦ Nilsson scorches two clear

Sweden's Christian Nilsson equalled the course record with a stunning seven-under 64 to take a two-shot lead at the European Tour's Saint Omer Open. The 29-year-old fired seven birdies in a flawless second round to match the record held by Brett Rumford and Jamie Little. He is two shots clear of Englishman John Morgan.	1 vote

♦ Academy influx concerns Bentley

Cannot play media. Sorry, this media is not available in your territory. England star David Bentley believes Premier League academies need to be regulated to prevent foreign players hindering homegrown talent. The Blackburn player, 23, spent his formative years at Arsenal before being forced out by a lack of opportunities. "At Arsenal...	1 vote

♦ Simpson ready for Appleby clash

British featherweight champion John Simpson will win the Lonsdale belt outright if he overcomes Paul Appleby at Glasgow's Kelvin Hall on Friday. The 24-year-old Greenock fighter won the UK title against Andy Morris in December 2006. "I've been down a hard road but I've won the title, defended it twice and I'm not giving it," said Simpson. Appleby, from South Queensferry...	1 vote

♦ Ricky out to repay fans

I don't think there's been a fighter in history and I look at all my heroes that has a fan base like I have really. It's just mind-boggling. It takes my breath away, really overwhelms me, the support I get. Ricky Hatton is dedicating The Homecoming to his fans. Jim Watt expects the 'superstar' that is Ricky Hatton to wow a record crowd as he makes his Homecoming.	1 vote

♦ Swimmers bid for Manchester joy

An experienced team of Paralympic and world champions will represent Great Britain at next month's Paralympic World Cup swimming event in Manchester. The programme takes place on Saturday 10 May at the city's Aquatic Centre. Athens gold medallists Natalie Jones, Nyree Lewis, Jim Anderson, Sascha Kindred, Gareth Duke and David Roberts are among those named in the team.	1 vote

♦ Behind a Derby favorite, tragedy and redemption

That's horse trainer Richard Dutrow Jr.'s stable-speak, his way of telling friends he expects his colt Big Brown to win the 134th Kentucky Derby on Saturday. For Big Brown, undefeated but having raced only three times, the Derby (4 p.m. ET...	1 vote

♦ Grizzlies meet the media one last time

Juan Carlos Navarro had to make a flight to Spain. Jason Collins is traveling to Salt Lake City to watch his brother in the playoffs. Hakim Warrick is heading home to Philadelphia. One by one the Grizzlies packed up their things Thursday morning at FedExForum and went their separate ways. After postseason physicals and exit interviews...	1 vote