Man City keen to keep Robinho as exit speculation grows
January 25, 2010
Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini has said he would like to keep forward Robinho at Eastlands, despite reports the Brazilian is set to quit the club.
The 26-year-old has been quoted as telling Brazilian radio he is set to return home, with a loan move to his former club Santos one possibility.
New Orleans Saints to meet Indianapolis in Super Bowl
January 25, 2010
The New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts will meet in the Super Bowl after two thrilling conference title games.
The Saints beat the Minnesota Vikings 31-28 in overtime to advance to the NFL finale for the first time.
And quarterback Peyton Manning threw three touchdown passes as Indianapolis rallied from 17-6 down for a 30-17 win over the New York Jets.
Astronomers hopeful of detecting extra-terrestrial life
January 25, 2010
The chance of discovering life on other worlds is greater than ever, according to Britain’s leading astronomer.
Lord Rees, the president of the Royal Society and Astronomer Royal, said such a discovery would be a moment which would change humanity.
Ethiopian Airlines jet crashes into sea off Beirut
January 25, 2010
An Ethiopian Airlines passenger plane with 90 people on board has crashed into the Mediterranean Sea shortly after take-off from Beirut airport.
Eyewitnesses say they saw a ball of fire in the sky before Addis Ababa-bound Flight ET409 fell into the sea after taking off in stormy weather.
US commander signals peace talks with Taliban
January 25, 2010
Nato’s top commander in Afghanistan has said increased troop levels could bring a negotiated peace with the Taliban.
US Gen Stanley McChrystal told the UK’s Financial Times newspaper that there had been “enough fighting”.
He said a political solution in all conflicts was “inevitable”. His remarks came as the top UN envoy in Kabul said it was time to talk to the militants.
Pakistan snubs US over new Taliban offensive
January 21, 2010
Pakistan’s army has said it will launch no new offensives on militants in 2010, as the US defence secretary arrived for talks on combating Taliban fighters.
Army spokesman Athar Abbas told the BBC the “overstretched” military had no plans for any fresh anti-militant operations over the next 12 months.
India beat Bangladesh in first Test despite Rahim ton
January 21, 2010
A defiant final-day century from Mushfiqur Rahim proved to be in vain as India beat Bangladesh by 113 runs in the first Test in Chittagong.
Set a target of 415, Bangladesh resumed on 67-2, but were soon in deeper trouble when Ishant Sharma removed Mohammad Ashraful and Raqibul Hasan.
China economy shows strong growth in 2009
January 21, 2010
China has said its economy expanded by 8.7% in 2009, exceeding even the government’s own initial expectations.
The pace of change increased as the year went on, with growth in the final quarter of 2009 increasing by 10.7% from the same period a year earlier.
China is now on course to overtake Japan and become the world’s second-biggest economy.
Hull sign striker Amr Zaki on loan from Zamalek
January 18, 2010
Hull have signed Egypt striker Amr Zaki on loan until the end of the season from home-country side Zamalek.
While terms have been agreed with the player and his club, Hull are still waiting for a work permit to be confirmed for the 26-year-old.
The Tigers hope he will be available for the game with Wolves on 30 January.
Maria Sharapova crashes out of the Australian Open
January 18, 2010
Maria Sharapova was sent crashing out of the Australian Open at the first hurdle, losing 7-6 (7-4) 3-6 6-4 to fellow Russian Maria Kirilenko.
The 2008 champion, who has dropped down the rankings and was 14th seed, made 76 unforced errors as the world number 58 won in three hours and 20 minutes.
Justine Henin beat Kirsten Flipkens 6-4 6-3 in her first Grand Slam match since coming out of retirement.