Match-fixing: Vietnam will send a policemen from the country's anti-graft force to ensure its players steer clear of match-fixing at this week's Southeast Asian football championships. Illegal gambling on football is rampant in Vietnam, where underground betting syndicates frequently pay players and referees to throw matches, often resulting in jail terms.
Ligue 1: The Ligue 1 game between Nantes and leaders Lyon has been brought forward from Sunday to Saturday, the French league said. Lyon asked for the switch to help them prepare for Wednesday's home game against Bayern Munich in the Champions League with top spot in Group F at stake. As a result, the game between PSG and Le Mans has been moved from Saturday to Sunday.
De la Red: Real Madrid midfielder Ruben de la Red is awaiting the results of a genetic study as the final phase in a series of tests conducted after he briefly passed out during their 3-2 King's Cup defeat by Real Union on Oct. 30. "I have to accept the situation and the important thing is not to rush it. I hope in the near future all this will be forgotten," the 23-year-old Spain international said.
Pennant: Jermaine Pennant has become the latest Liverpool player to have his home targetted by thieves. Police said the gates to Pennant's home in Hale Village were apparently rammed by a car although there was no damage to the house. Club captain Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt, Pepe Reina, Lucas Leiva and Daniel Agger have all been burgled in the past 18 months.
Garlic boy: Former Japan international Kazuki Ganaha, banned last year for taking garlic IV infusions, has been released by Japanese club Kawasaki Frontale. The 28-year-old earlier this year won his appeal against a six-game suspension imposed for using intravenous drips in violation of the J-League's anti-doping rules. Ganaha, who took the case to the CAS, has slipped down the pecking order at Frontale, scoring just two league goals this season.
FA Cup: Second round - Carlisle vs Crewe 0-2.
Rallying: World champion Sebastien Loeb suffered a setback in his preparations for the final round of the season in Wales when he skidded off the road during Tuesday's pre-event reconnaissance. The official www.wrc.com website reported that Loeb's car had rolled down a bank before coming to rest on its roof. The Frenchman and his co-driver Daniel Elena, who clinched a record fifth world rallying title last month in Japan, were unharmed.
Rugby Union: Italy is considering creating a "super side" to play in the Celtic League after the low quality of their domestic competition was blamed for the national team's recent defeats by Australia, Argentina and Pacific Islanders. The Italian rugby federation and clubs in the existing Super 10 league will meet on Dec. 19 to discuss the proposal and other ideas. "To modify what we have at present, you need good sense," federation president Giancarlo Dondi said.
Cycling: Athens Olympics road race champion Sara Carrigan has retired from professional cycling to concentrate on her university studies. The 28-year-old Australian, who outsprinted Germany's Judith Arndt in the final 100 metres to win the gold medal in Athens, finished 38th in Beijing. "I'm in it to be the best and if I feel I don't have that kind of commitment to win and conquer all, it is the right time for me to walk away," she said.
Tennis: World no.1 Jelena Jankovic is doubtful for the Sydney International tournament despite earlier confirming her entry. The 23-year-old is still finalising her schedule for the early part of 2009 and has withdrawn from the official acceptance list. Jankovic has played in the Sydney tournament four times with her best performance being runner-up to Kim Clijsters in 2007. The Sydney event is a warm-up tournament for the Australian Open.
Athletics: China has put its faith in Houston Rockets doctor Tom Clanton to help fix the foot of injured 110m hurdles world champion Liu Xiang. Clanton, who helped the Rockets' Chinese centre Yao Ming recover from a stress fracture in his left foot last year, will operate on the Achilles' injury that robbed Liu of his chance to defend his Olympic title at August's Beijing Games. The 25-year-old would remain in the US after the operation to recuperate.
Horse racing: Melbourne Cup runner-up Bauer is at the centre of an investigation by Racing Victoria Ltd (RVL) stewards into his pre-race treatment by veterinarians. The Luca-Camani trained stallion stormed home over the final 200 metres but was pipped by a nose in Australasia's richest horse race by Viewed on Nov. 4. The investigation focused on the horse's treatment while quarantined in the week before the race and was not drug-related.
Division II/III KO: Quarter-finals draw - Kirkop vs Naxxar; Mġarr vs Balzan; Gudja vs Melita; Żebbuġ vs Sta Venera. Matches to be played on Dec. 27 and 28.