Other sport

Sports Temple
Fans from Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni's hometown of Ranchi plan to build a temple in his name. "Cricket is religion in our country and Dhoni is god of cricket," his fan club president Jitendra Singh told reporters. The fan club plans to raise funds through donations and install a 20-foot fibre glass statue of Dhoni.

Tennis
Former world No.4 Jelena Dokic has won a direct wildcard entry into next month's Australian Open by winning a qualifying tournament in Melbourne yesterday. Dokic, who came from a set down to beat Queensland junior Monica Wejnert 6-7 7-5 6-3, will now attempt to qualify for lead-up tournaments in Brisbane and Hobart in the New Year. The 25-year-old Dokic, a former Wimbledon semi-finalist, is currently 179th in the world rankings.

Cricket
England skipper Kevin Pietersen struck a majestic 15th test century before India fought back to take two late wickets on the third day of the second and final test yesterday. Pietersen stroked an aggressive 144 and Andrew Flintoff a patient 62 before both fell in the last two overs of the day to reduce England to 282 for six, replying to India's first innings 453 all out.

Golf
Indian Jeev Milkha Singh says he has what it takes to win a Major title after finishing top of the Asian Tour's order of merit and becoming the circuit's first "million dollar man". Singh, who netted $1.4 million in prize money to clinch the overall title for the second time in three years, said he could handle the pressure of the big events and was ready to take his game to a new level. "Winning twice in three years is special, it has given me a lot of confidence," Singh said.

Basket, NBA
The Orlando Magic overcame Kobe Bryant's season-high 41 points to beat the Lakers 106-103 and hand Los Angeles a rare second successive loss on Saturday. Jameer Nelson scored 27 points and Rashard Lewis added 22 for the Southeast Division-leading Magic (21-6), who won their fourth consecutive game and sixth in a row at home. Orlando have now won eight of their last nine games.

Badminton
The Badminton World Federation (BWF) announced it had extended its sponsorship deal with sports equipment makers Yonex until 2012. BWF president Kang Young Joong did not reveal how much the deal was worth but said the BWF had received "a generous offer" from Yonex, its sponsor since 1993.