Sporting briefs

DUNFERMLINE: Scottish Premier League club Dunfermline said yesterday they have sacked their manager Jim McIntyre with the club bottom of the table. The Pars are without a home win all season and are four points behind second bottom Hibernian. “It is with great regret that the board of directors at Dunfermline Athletic Football Club have agreed to terminate the contract of Jim McIntyre with immediate effect,” a statement read.

ANELKA: French striker Nicolas Anelka scored in his highly-anticipated debut in the Chinese Super League yesterday but was powerless to prevent new club Shanghai Shenhua losing 3-2 to fierce rivals Beijing Guoan. The former Arsenal and Chelsea striker equalized for Shenhua to make it 2-2 with a simple tap midway through the second half after a defensive lapse from Beijing.

CELTIC: South Korea midfielder Ki Sung-yueng is back in the Celtic squad for tomorrow’s Scottish League Cup final against Kilma-rnock at Hampden after recovering from a groin strain. Ki trained this week and has put himself in contention for a starting slot.

FREI: Fulham teenager Kerim Frei has penned an extended deal that will keep him at the west London club until 2015. The 18-year-old winger has progressed through the Cottagers’ academy to become an increasingly important part of the first team this season. Frei has made 16 appearances in all competitions for the Whites.

MFA DIV. TWO: Luqa SA vs Mellieħa 0-1.

BASKETBALL: Division One (men) – Luxol vs Floriana 65-78; Siġġiewi vs Athleta 70-85