Sporting briefs

Tottenham: Tottenham Hotspur have formed their first official club partnership in Asia by signing a two-year contract with Hong Kong's most successful team - South China. Spurs already have commercial partnerships with South African league champions SuperSport United, MLS outfit San Jose Earthquakes and Sport Club Internacional of Brazil.

Ronaldo: The ankle injury that has sidelined Cristiano Ronaldo for almost a month has not healed and the Real Madrid forward is still unable to return to full training. Ronaldo aggravated the injury in Portugal's 3-0 win over Hungary on Oct. 10 and had more tests yesterday, Real said. He will almost certainly miss Saturday's match at city rivals Atletico Madrid.

Storrie: Portsmouth chief executive Peter Storrie has been charged with tax evasion over a 2003 transfer deal. Storrie is accused of defrauding Britain's tax office by concealing the payment of a signing-on fee made to Senegalese midfielder Amdy Faye when he joined from French club Auxerre.

Debt settled: Accrington Stanley, one of the most famous names in English soccer despite their League Two status, won their latest battle to survive after paying a £308,000 tax debt on Tuesday. The Lancashire club faced becoming the first club to go out of existence twice during a league season after the demise of the original club in 1962.

Cuper: Former Inter and Valencia coach Hector Cuper has been appointed head coach of Aris Salonika. Cuper, 53, has agreed a one-year contract and replaces outgoing coach Iomar Mazihno, who has been shown the door following an indifferent start to the Greek season.

Premier League: West Ham 2 (Noble 45 pen; Hines 90) Aston Villa 1 (Young 53). Missed penalty - Young 49. Red card - Beye (AV) 86.

Motor racing: Pirelli has ruled out replacing Bridgestone as Formula One tyre supplier from 2011, the Italian company said. Bridgestone Corp, the sole supplier since 2007, announced on Monday it would not renew its contract after the end of the 2010 season. Michelin withdrew after the 2006 season.

Tennis: Britain's Andy Murray has signed a "long-term" sportswear deal with German firm Adidas from 2010, ending his long-standing partnership with Fred Perry. Adidas, the world's second-largest sports goods maker, did not give details on the length or value of the deal, though British media reported it to be worth more than €10 million. World no.4 Murray, who briefly rose to no.2 earlier this year, has won 13 singles titles since 2006.

Basket, NBA: The Boston Celtics maintained their perfect start to the season by trouncing the Philadelphia 76ers 105-74 on the back of a dominant defensive display and sharp three-point shooting. Paul Pierce had 21 points and eight rebounds, while key reserve Rasheed Wallace made six three-pointers in his 20-point effort as the Celtics outscored the home team 61-38 in the second half to improve to 5-0.

Squash: Frenchman Gregory Gaultier was confirmed as the new world number one squash player in the world rankings issued yesterday by the Professional Squash Association. The 26-year-old from Aix-en-Provence becomes only the second Frenchman to top the global rankings following compatriot and current world no.8 Thierry Lincou.

Sailing: US team Oracle's giant trimaran broke its mast in an accident during training off San Diego, California, the America's Cup challenger said. The accident on Tuesday comes just three months before Oracle is scheduled to take part in a three-leg duel with Swiss defender Alinghi to decide the 33rd edition of yachting's most prestigious trophy. Oracle said there were no casualties and that the damaged mast had been recovered.