Football: Toni loaned to AS Roma

Football: Toni loaned to AS Roma
Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni has completed his six-month loan move to AS Roma in Serie A.

Illini spoil No. 25 Northwestern's return to poll

Football: Wins for Man Utd and Arsenal
Manchester United and Arsenal both claim easy victories on Wednesday to remain in touch with Chelsea at the top of the English Premier League.
Illini spoil No. 25 Northwestern's return to poll
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- Mike Tisdale had a career-high 31 points and grabbed 11 rebounds and Illinois spoiled No. 25 Northwesterns return to the rankings after 40 years with an 89-83 overtime victory Wednesday night in the Big Ten opener for both teams.
Brookfield boys state their case
Brookfield High accomplished a lot more this boys soccer season than just adding more hardware to its trophy case.The Bobcats, who won the South-West Conference Tournament and then captured the Class L state title for the second time in the last three years, have established the program as the state's best, according to coach Jared Sheikh.

Cricket: Ponting secures Test record

Cricket: Ponting secures Test record
Nathan Hauritz claimed his maiden five-wicket haul as Australia wrapped up a comprehensive 170-run victory over Pakistan in the first Test in Melbourne -- giving captain Ricky Ponting a record 42nd Test win.

Kobe's 44 points push Los Angeles past Golden State

Cricket: England crush South Africa
England spin bowler Graeme Swann takes a five-wicket haul to help his side beat hosts South Africa by an innings and 98 runs on the fifth day of the second Test in Durban.
Kobe's 44 points push Los Angeles past Golden State
LOS ANGELES -- Kobe Bryant had a season-high 44 points and 11 assists while making all 16 of his free throws, and the Lakers survived Golden State's 55-percent shooting for a 124-118 victory over the Warriors on Tuesday night.
Brookfield girls win SWC Holiday Tournament
The Brookfield girls basketball team won the SWC Holiday Tournament as it defeated Bethel with ease, 57-24, in Tuesday's championship game. Jamie Bickelhaupt and Brittany Martelle scored 14 points apiece in the win, which advanced Brookfield to 5-0 on the season.

Football: Toni poised for Roma switch

Football: Toni poised for Roma switch
Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni is "more than convinced" he will be a Roma player by January 2.

Boxing: Officials aim to end deadlock

Boxing: Officials aim to end deadlock
Nevada boxing officials are trying to end the dope test impasse threatening the fight between Manny Pacquiao (right) and Floyd Mayweather, but their demand for immediate urine tests may not solve the problem.

Football: Drogba inspires Chelsea win

Football: Drogba inspires Chelsea win
Didier Drogba scored a vital equalizer as Chelsea came from behind to beat west London neighbors Fulham 2-1 to extend their English Premier League lead to five points.
Sharks' Pavelski wins it in a shootout
SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Joe Pavelski scored once in regulation and the only goal in the shootout to give the San Jose Sharks a 3-2 win over the Phoenix Coyotes on Monday night.
Krafick leads Green Wave comeback over Danbury
NEW MILFORD -- Exactly 10 days ago today, New Milford High's John Krafick stepped up to the free-throw line with a chance to break a tie score in the closing seconds of a game against Rockville. Krafick missed both shots. "I just wanted a chance to redeem myself after that," Krafick said.

Cricket: Cook inspires dogged England

Cricket: Cook inspires dogged England
England opener Alastair Cook scored his 10th Test century as his side claimed a potentially decisive first innings lead against South Africa in the second Test in Durban on Monday.

Yachting: Kiwis win Sydney-Hobart

Yachting: Kiwis win Sydney-Hobart
New Zealand maxi Alfa Romeo eased to victory in the 65th annual Sydney to Hobart ocean yacht race on Monday.

Boxing: Haye eyes African contest

Boxing: Haye eyes African contest
David Haye has revealed he could be take part in a new 'Rumble in the Jungle' in Africa as he seeks to unify the heavyweight division with a fight against Vitali Klitschko.

Boxing: Arum sets Mayweather deadline

Boxing: Arum sets Mayweather deadline
Manny Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum has given Floyd Mayweather Jnr's camp a Monday deadline to resolve a blood-testing row which has threatened to derail the proposed super fight between the two welterweights.

Cricket: Watson puts Australia on top

Cricket: Watson puts Australia on top
Shane Watson put Australia in a strong position to claim an emphatic victory over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test match at the MCG at stumps on day three.
Tigers down Wildcats in Music City Bowl
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- C.J. Spiller went out a winner in the final game of his record-setting career at Clemson.

From Newtown High to Wake Forest to pro soccer career, Tracy continues to shine

Football: Birmingham hold Chelsea
Florent Malouda is sent off in injury time as English Premier League leaders Chelsea are held 0-0 by in-form Birmingham on Boxing Day.
Lakers bounce back by beating Kings in 2 OTs
SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Kobe Bryant scored 38 points and the Los Angeles Lakers bounced back from a humbling Christmas Day loss to Cleveland by beating the Sacramento Kings 112-103 on Saturday night in double overtime.
From Newtown High to Wake Forest to pro soccer career, Tracy continues to shine
Five years, ago, Newtown's Marcus Tracy left for college with a dollar and a dream. Well, kind of. Technically, he left with a dream, a $20 bill and a soccer scholarship to Wake Forest. The free tuition to Wake was the culmination of four incredible years at Newtown High, where he scored 100 career goals.

Cricket: England on top in Durban

Cricket: England on top in Durban
England claimed three wickets in a final session shortened by rain and bad light to leave South Africa on 175 for five wickets at the end of the first day of the second Test in Durban on Saturday.

Football: Birmingham hold Chelsea

Football: Birmingham hold Chelsea
Florent Malouda is sent off in injury time as English Premier League leaders Chelsea are held 0-0 by in-form Birmingham on Boxing Day.

Cricket: Australia in command at MCG

Cricket: Australia in command at MCG
Australia were in command after the first day of the traditional Boxing Day Test against Pakistan at the MCG, but both their openers agonisingly missed out on centuries.

Roy, Blake lead Trail Blazers past Nuggets

Boxing: Pacquiao threatens law suit
Manny Pacquiao is threatening Floyd Mayweather Jr. with legal action following a row over drugs testing which leaves their proposed super-bout next year in doubt.
Roy, Blake lead Trail Blazers past Nuggets
PORTLAND, Ore. -- Brandon Roy had 41 points while wearing a thin brace to protect his sore left shoulder and Steve Blake added a season-high 17 to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 107-96 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.
Athletes of the decade spotlight: Connor McCarthy
Connor McCarthy has been a step (or two or three) faster than his peers since he was an 8-year-old running around during recess at Branchville Elementary in Ridgefield. "I was always the kid that no one went for in tag," McCarthy joked.When McCarthy got to Ridgefield High -- a place where tag is neither popular nor socially acceptable -- he took his speed to the soccer field.

Top 25 area athletes of the decade: Part II

Cricket: India complete series victory
Centuries from Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli helped India defeat Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the fourth one-day international in Kolkata to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
Oakland A's nearing 1-year deal with Duchscherer
-- Right-hander Justin Duchscherer has reached a preliminary agreement on a one-year contract that would keep him with the Oakland Athletics, a person with knowledge of the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday.
Top 25 area athletes of the decade: Part II
The News-Times is unveiling its selections for the top 25 area high school athletes of the decade in four installments over the long holiday weekend.Yesterday, we saw numbers 25-19, which included All-American runner John Raneri of New Fairfield and Pomperaug's Abby Maguire, the 2003 Connecticut field hockey Player of the Year.

Skiing: Women's downhill is switched

Skiing: Women's downhill is switched
A women's World Cup downhill cancelled at the French resort of Val d'Isere last week has been re-scheduled for January 8 at Haus im Ennstal, the International Ski Federation (FIS) have confirmed.

Football: Ferguson critical of Man City

Football: Ferguson critical of Man City
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson brands Manchester City's handling of Mark Hughes' dismissal as "unacceptable".

Frawley hits buzzer-beater to lift Bethel

Motorsport: Schumacher returns to F1
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher returns to Formula One to drive for an all-German Mercedes team.
TCU's Patterson is Coach of the Year
NEW YORK -- Gary Patterson guided TCU to its best season in 70 years on the way to becoming the first Associated Press Coach of the Year from outside the six conferences with automatic BCS bids.
Frawley hits buzzer-beater to lift Bethel
NEW FAIRFIELD -- Jesse Frawley drained a 3-pointer from the wing at the buzzer to lift the Bethel High boys basketball team to a 55-54 victory over New Fairfield on Wednesday night.It was a back-and-forth battle, with Bethel leading by 12 at halftime but New Fairfield rallying to take as much as an eight-point lead in the second half.

Major League Baseball, umpires reach 5-year deal
NEW YORK -- Major League Baseball and its umpires have reached an agreement on a five-year labor contract running through December 2014.

Motorsport: Hamilton welcomes return

Motorsport: Hamilton welcomes return
2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton is relishing the prospect of going head to head Michael Schumacher after the German's return to Formula One was confirmed on Wednesday.

Football: Levein takes Scotland job

Football: Levein takes Scotland job
Craig Levein has left Dundee United to take charge of the struggling Scottish national side.

Motorsport: Hamilton welcomes return

Motorsport: Hamilton welcomes return
2008 world champion Lewis Hamilton is relishing the prospect of going head to head Michael Schumacher after the German's return to Formula One was confirmed on Wednesday.

UConn starts slow, then romps against Maine

Motorsport: Schumacher returns to F1
Seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher returns to Formula One to drive for an all-German Mercedes team.
Lakers hold off Thunder for fifth straight win
LOS ANGELES -- Kobe Bryant scored 40 points for the sixth time this season, and the NBA-leading Los Angeles Lakers shook off a rough first half before hanging on for their 16th victory in 17 games, 111-108 over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.
UConn starts slow, then romps against Maine
HARTFORD -- As the temperature continues to dip, it seems to take longer and longer for the UConn basketball team's offense to heat up.That was the case again Tuesday night as No. 11 UConn turned what was a tie game at the half into a 71-54 win over Maine before an announced crowd of 11,366 at the XL Center.

Tennis: Federer named ITF champion

Tennis: Federer named ITF champion
Roger Federer has been named International Tennis Federation (ITF) champion for the fifth time with Serena Williams taking the women's award for the second time.

Football: Top players praise Messi

Football: Top players praise Messi
Barcelona midfielder Lionel Messi's coronation as the FIFA World Player of the Year has been praised by his fellow-professionals.

Football: Udinese sack coach Marino

Football: Udinese sack coach Marino
Udinese sack coach Pasquale Marino and appoint Gianni De Biasi as his replacement, the struggling Serie A club confirm.

Cricket: Tendulkar stars in India win

Cricket: Tendulkar stars in India win
Sachin Tendulkar was undefeated on 96 as India successfully chased Sri Lanka's modest 239 to claim a seven-wicket victory in the third one-day international in Cuttack.
White leads Immaculate to consolation win in Tip-Off Classic
DANBURY -- Just four days after Abbott Tech's Rick Paez hit five 3-pointers against Joel Barlow, Immaculate's Dean White did the same. White spent quite a bit of time at the foul line, too.White finished with a game-high 29 points and was 10-for-13 from the foul line, leading Immaculate to a 77-56 win over Barlow in the consolation game of the annual News Times Tip-Off Classic.

Skiing: Herbst doubles up in Italy

Skiing: Herbst doubles up in Italy
Austria's Reinfried Herbst showed he is in fine form in run up to the Olympics by claiming his second World Cup win of the season with victory in the slalom at Alta Badia on Monday.

Football: England face Egypt friendly

Football: England face Egypt friendly
The Football Association have confirmed that England will begin their preparations for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa with a friendly against Egypt at Wembley on March 3.

Football: Barca cool on Robinho deal

Football: Barca cool on Robinho deal
Barcelona president Joan Laporta has revealed Robinho will not be joining the La Liga champions after a bid for the Brazilian forward was rejected by English Premier League side Manchester City.

Motorsport: Rome GP edges closer

Motorsport: Rome GP edges closer
A bid to bring grand prix to the streets of Rome appears a step closer after course planner Maurizio Flammini claimed a deal has been agreed with Formula One chief Bernie Ecclestone.

Edsall reflects on satisfying, trying season

Football: Ronaldo eager to continue
Cristiano Ronaldo has urged his Real Madrid teammates to carry their recent impressive form into the New Year after they cut Barcelona's lead at the top of Spain's La Liga to two points.
Middle Tennessee beats Southern Miss 42-32, in New Orleans Bowl
NEW ORLEANS -- Dwight Dasher threw two touchdowns and rushed for two more as Middle Tennessee stretched its winning streak to seven straight games by beating Southern Mississippi 42-32 in the New Orleans Bowl on Sunday night.
Edsall reflects on satisfying, trying season
It would be difficult to put UConn football coach Randy Edsall at the top of a ballot for national coach of the year.Then again, it's a safe bet no one in the country had as difficult a job as Edsall, 51, did this season. The stabbing death of cornerback Jasper Howard on Oct.

Rugby: Wales star reveals he's gay

Rugby: Wales star reveals he's gay
A former international rugby star has shocked the sports world by revealing that he is gay.

Rugby: Wales star admits to being gay

Rugby: Wales star admits to being gay
A former international rugby star has shocked the sports world by revealing that he is gay.
Pavlik stops Espino in fifth to retain titles
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio Kelly Pavlik stopped challenger Miguel Espino in the fifth round to retain his WBC and WBO middleweight titles in front of a hometown crowd in Youngstown, Ohio late on Saturday.
Edsall reflects on satisfying, trying season
It would be difficult to put UConn football coach Randy Edsall at the top of a ballot for national coach of the year.Then again, it's a safe bet no one in the country had as difficult a job as Edsall, 51, did this season. The stabbing death of cornerback Jasper Howard on Oct.

Cricket: Windies tailenders hang on

Cricket: Windies tailenders hang on
The West Indies need a heroic effort from their last two batsman to snatch a courageous series-saving victory in the third Test against Australia in Perth.

Golf: Troubled Tiger wins PGA award

Golf: Troubled Tiger wins PGA award
Despite his personal problems, golfer Tiger Woods receives another accolade by winning the PGA player of the year award.

Stamford crushes Danbury in boys basketball

Tiger Woods wins PGA award despite personal woes
Despite his personal problems, golfer Tiger Woods receives another accolade by winning the PGA player of the year award.
No. 7 Duke tops No. 24 James Madison, 79-65, in women's basketball
Joy Cheek scores a career-high 21 points to help No. 7 Duke defeat No. 24 James Madison, 79-65, on Friday night in Durham, N.C.
Stamford crushes Danbury in boys basketball
STAMFORD -- The Danbury boys basketball team is going to experience some growing pains this season under rookie head coach Casey Bock, and that was evident when they faced defending FCIAC champion Stamford.Facing a 21-point halftime deficit, the Hatters came out strong in the third quarter with an 8-2 run and began closing the gap.

Skiing: Vonn claims super-combi win

Skiing: Vonn claims super-combi win
American superstar Lindsey Vonn claimed her third World Cup win of the season with victory in a super-combined race at Val D'Isere in the French Alps on Friday.

Golf: Pavin has no fears for Tiger

Golf: Pavin has no fears for Tiger
U.S. Ryder Cup captain Corey Pavin expects Tiger Woods to find his best form when he returns to action after taking an "indefinite" break from golf following revelations about his private life.

Cricket: Wickets tumble in WACA Test

Cricket: Wickets tumble in WACA Test
West Indies fought their way back into the final Test against Australia at the WACA in Perth as 16 wickets fell on a topsy-turvy third day.

Football: Beckham set for United return

Football: Beckham set for United return
The draw for the last 16 teams in the European Champions League has been made in Nyon, Switzerland on Friday, with David Beckham's AC Milan pitched against his former side, Manchester United.

New hockey league expects a long run

Football: Valencia win puts Genoa out
A last-minute goal from David Villa gave Valencia a 2-1 Europa League win at Genoa on Thursday, a result that knocked the Serie A side out of the competition after Lille's 3-1 victory over Slavia Prague.
Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner focuses on playing hockey with a clear mind
Capitals defenseman Karl Alzner refuses to allow life's small complications to consume him -- a new outlook he says has made him more focused on the ice.
New hockey league expects a long run
Don't expect the new Federal Hockey League to become another one of the countless number of single A-level leagues that open for business one season and close shop the next.That's the view of league officials like FHL Commissioner Don Kirnan, who officially announced the formation of the new professional ice hockey league -- which will feature a team based in Danbury -- during a national media conference call held Thursday.

Golf: Erlandsson secures early lead

Golf: Erlandsson secures early lead
One of the best shots of his life helped Swede Martin Erlandsson to an eight-under-par 64 and a one-stroke lead on the opening day of the South African Open.

NFL: Player dies after domestic fall

NFL: Player dies after domestic fall
NFL's Chris Henry has died from injuries suffered in fall from moving truck, Charlotte, North Carolina, police say.

Danbury pins Warde to keep streak alive
FAIRFIELD -- Senior John Smith had the weight of the Danbury High wrestling team's 311-match winning streak against FCIAC opponents on his shoulders Wednesday night against Fairfield Warde in the season opener for both teams.Smith also had the weight of the Mustangs' Alex Delaney pressing against his chest with less than a minute left during what proved to be an epic battle at 171 pounds.

NFL: Player fights for life after fall

NFL: Player fights for life after fall
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Chris Henry suffered "life-threatening injuries" after falling out of a pickup truck during a fight with his fiancee, police said Wednesday.

Canadian sports doctor charged

Canadian sports doctor charged
A Canadian sports doctor has been charged in Toronto with selling what some athletes consider to be a performance-enhancing drug, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said Wednesday.
American surprises DePaul in men's basketball, 62-57

Football: Loyal Torres backs Benitez

Football: Loyal Torres backs Benitez
Liverpool striker Fernando Torres has backed Rafael Benitez to turn the club's fortunes around and reiterated his desire to remain at Anfield for the foreseeable future.

Football: Mourinho denies assault

Football: Mourinho denies assault
Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has claimed he did not assault a journalist after his side's 1-1 draw with Atalanta.

Motorsport: Renault to continue in F1

Motorsport: Renault to continue in F1
Renault Formula One team president Bernard Rey has announced the constructor will remain in Formula One next season after they agreed a deal secure the team's future.

Shepaug girls fall to Wamogo

Cricket: Katich misses out on ton
Simon Katich missed out on a century by single run as he helped put Australia in a commanding position after the first day of the third Test against the West Indies.
Duke rolls behind Scheyer's 36 points
Jon Scheyer scores 24 of his career-high 36 points in the first half to lead No. 7 Duke past Gardner-Webb, 113-68, on Tuesday night.
Shepaug girls fall to Wamogo
WASHINGTON, Conn. -- Caycee Williams scored seven points to lead a balanced attack as the Wamogo girls basketball team defeated Berkshire League rival Shepaug 38-19 on Tuesday. Janine Parker led Shepaug with eight points.WAMOGO17 8 7 6 -- 38SHEPAUG3 2 6 8 -- 19WAMOGO (38): Sam Finch 1 2-2 4; Meagan Murray 2 0-0 4; Naomi Valentine 1 0-0 2; Paige LaBonne 1 3-4 5; Megan Layman 2 0-1 4; Kerri Stolle 3 0-0 6; Rachel Kohout 0 0-0 0; Caycee Williams 1 5-8 7; Morgan Grambo 1 0-0 2; Katie Koley 1

Cricket: Rain ends hopes of NZ victory

Cricket: Rain ends hopes of NZ victory
The rain in Napier denied New Zealand the chance to claim a series victory on the final day of the third Test against Pakistan.

Football: Gattuso to remain with Milan

Football: Gattuso to remain with Milan
Gennaro Gattuso has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract at AC Milan, the Serie A club have announced.
Kesler helps Canucks beat Kings 3-1
VANCOUVER, British Columbia -- Ryan Kesler opened the scoring 64 seconds in and set up Mason Raymond's insurance goal with 5:12 left, leading the Vancouver Canucks to a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night.
Danbury girls win opener
DANBURY -- The Danbury High girls basketball team didn't look much like it did last year. There were five new starters, and instead of the traditional blue and orange, the entire team wore pink and white jerseys in honor of Bob DiNardo. The final outcome was pretty familiar, though.

Football: Mourinho accused over clash

Football: Mourinho accused over clash
Inter Milan coach Jose Mourinho has been accused of "physical and verbal aggression" towards a journalist after Sunday's 1-1 Serie A draw at Atalanta.

No. 9 Ohio State rallies to beat Mississippi, 79-77, in women's basketball

Football: Ribery makes Bayern return
Bayern Munich's France international winger Franck Ribery will make his return next weekend after two-and-a-half months out through injury, his coach Louis van Gaal has told reporters.
No. 9 Ohio State rallies to beat Mississippi, 79-77, in women's basketball
For Ohio State Coach Jim Foster, Sunday's 79-77 win over Mississippi was all about hustle.

Cricket: Napier Test remains poised

Cricket: Napier Test remains poised
All three results remain possible as New Zealand and Pakistan head into the final day of their three-Test series.

Olsen signs one-year contract with Nats

Golf: Accenture ends deal with Woods
Accenture, a major sponsor for Tiger Woods, announces it is dropping the world No.1 in light of recent controversy surrounding his personal life.
Olsen signs one-year contract with Nats
Just one day after the Nationals non-tendered him a contract, left-handed pitcher Scott Olsen rejoins the team by signing a one-year contract that includes plenty of inventives.

Cricket: Pakistan fight back in Test

Cricket: Pakistan fight back in Test
Pakistan openers Imran Farhat and Salman Butt hauled their side back into the third and decisive Test against New Zealand at Napier with an unbeaten stand of 128 by the close of the third day.

Golf: Martin wins as Els slumps

Golf: Martin wins as Els slumps
Spaniard Pablo Martin claimed his first European Tour win as a professional as he held off home hope Charl Schwartzel by a stroke to win the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.

Klitschko wants Haye after title defense

Klitschko wants Haye after title defense
Vitali Klitschko successfully defends his WBC heavyweight title against American Kevin Johnson in Bern and then talks up a super-bout next year against new WBA champion David Haye.

Ridnour carries Bucks past Blazers in double-OT

Gridiron: Heisman winner named
University of Alabama running back Mark Ingram on Saturday was named the winner of Heisman Trophy, the award given annually to the nation's best college football player, at the Times Square Nokia Theatre in New York.
Ridnour carries Bucks past Blazers in double-OT
MILWAUKEE -- Luke Ridnour scored six of his 20 points in the second overtime and the Milwaukee Bucks won their second straight game with a 108-101 victory over the injury-riddled Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday night.
Wooster boys, girls capture tournament titles
DANBURY -- Marcel McCullough blocked a shot in the lane in the final seconds Saturday as the Wooster School's boys basketball team held off Harvey 59-58 to capture its second championship of the Eighth Annual Ed Costello Holiday Classic Tournament.McCullough, a junior small forward, led the Generals with 24 points, adding 10 rebounds, six blocks, five assists and four blocks.

Golf: Woods 'should go on Oprah'

Golf: Woods 'should go on Oprah'
Tiger Woods has been told to go on television to try to finally end the controversy that has forced the world's No. 1 golfer to take an "indefinite break" from the sport.

Havlat scores in overtime for Minnesota

Woods to take 'indefinite break'
Tiger Woods says he's taking "an indefinite break" from professional golf, admits "infidelity" and apologizes to his family and fans, in a statement on his Web site.
Havlat scores in overtime for Minnesota
CALGARY, Alberta -- Martin Havlat scored at 3:15 of overtime to give the Minnesota Wild to a 2-1 victory over the Calgary Flames on Friday night.
Abbott Tech girls cruise to opening-night win
DANBURY -- The commute to Danbury for Abbott Tech basketball players Shala Hall and Shadea Taylor isn't a convenient one. The two seniors recently transferred from Wright Tech and live in Norwalk and Stamford, respectively. But so far, the chance to keep playing basketball seems well worth the trip.

Cycling: Stapleton praises Armstrong

Cycling: Stapleton praises Armstrong
Team Columbia chief Bob Stapleton exclusively tells CNN that the return of Lance Armstong to competitive cycling has boosted the sport's profile for the better.

Football: Platini confident on 2012

Football: Platini confident on 2012
UEFA president Michel Platini has stated that he believes Ukraine and Poland will be ready host the European Championships in 2012.

Football: Ashton retires due to injury

Football: Ashton retires due to injury
England striker Dean Ashton announces his retirement from professional football due to a persistant ankle injury.

Pomperaug girls cruise past Masuk in opener

Cycling: Stapleton praises Armstrong
Team Columbia chief Bob Stapleton exclusively tells CNN that the return of Lance Armstong to competitive cycling has boosted the sport's profile for the better.
Matthew Griffin leads Australian PGA
COOLUM, Australia -- Matthew Griffin shot a 3-under 68 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead over defending champion Geoff Ogilvy, Stuart Appleby and Jason Norris after the second round of the Australian PGA.
Pomperaug girls cruise past Masuk in opener
MONROE -- The glum looks on the faces of the Pomperaug High girls basketball players as they departed the locker room Thursday night may have spoken volumes about how the visiting Panthers felt, but it didn't tell the story of their season opener.Pomperaug cruised to an easy 67-26 romp over Masuk in a first-round game of the 18th annual Masuk Tip-off Tournament.

Motorsport: F1 teams plan joint launch

Motorsport: F1 teams plan joint launch
Formula One teams are planning an innovative joint launch ahead of the 2010 season.

Golf: Kim leads Wie in Dubai event

Golf: Kim leads Wie in Dubai event
In-Kyung Kim shot a sizzling seven-under par 65 to lead Michelle Wie by two shots at the halfway stage of the Dubai Ladies' Masters on Thursday.

Football: Eto'o up for African award

Football: Eto'o up for African award
Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o will be seeking to win his fourth African Player of the Year award after being named in the final shortlist of five for the 2009 title.

Football: U.S. captain in Everton talks

Football: U.S. captain in Everton talks
United States captain Landon Donovan is poised for a January switch to Everton after the English Premier League club confirmed talks were underway about a loan move.
Lakers roll to 10th straight win with big fourth
LOS ANGELES -- Kobe Bryant scored 27 points, Pau Gasol had 19 points and 12 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers rolled off 19 consecutive points in the fourth quarter of their 10th straight victory, 101-77 over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.
Canterbury wrestlers open with invitational
NEW MILFORD -- The Canterbury School wrestling team opened its season this past weekend with the 31st annual Canterbury Invitational Tournament. Canterbury sophomore Mac Lamanna placed fourth in the 112-pound class, while senior Ethan Watt took sixth at 171.

Football: Advocaat named by Alkmaar

Football: Advocaat named by Alkmaar
Dutch champions AZ Alkmaar have confirmed Dick Advocaat as their new head coach until the end of the season.

Cricket: Australia salvage Test draw

Cricket: Australia salvage Test draw
Australia battled to a draw in the second Test against the West Indies in Adelaide on Tuesday to retain the Frank Worrell Trophy.
Birthday boy Howard leads Magic past Clippers
LOS ANGELES -- Dwight Howard had 25 points and 11 rebounds on his 24th birthday, Rashard Lewis added 17 points and the Orlando Magic held off the Los Angeles Clippers for their sixth straight victory, 97-86 Tuesday night.
Game day: UConn vs. Kentucky
WHEN -- Tonight, 9:30WHERE -- Madison Square Garden, New YorkRECORDS -- UConn 6-1, Kentucky 8-0ON AIR -- ESPN (Dan Shulman, Dick Vitale); WTIC-AM 1080 (Joe D'Ambrosio, Wayne Norman)KENTUCKYJohn Wall, G, 6-4 Fr. -- 18.1 ppg, 7.7 apg for nation's top froshPatrick Patterson, F, 6-9 Jr.

Golf: Tiger's mother-in-law in hospital

Golf: Tiger's mother-in-law in hospital
Paramedics responded early Tuesday to a medical call on the street where Tiger Woods lives, the county fire service said.

Brodeur ties Sawchuk with 103rd career shutout

Football: Quintet in running for award
2009 winner Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo is included on a five-man shortlist for the FIFA World Player of the Year award.
Brodeur ties Sawchuk with 103rd career shutout
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Martin Brodeur tied Terry Sawchuk's NHL record with his 103rd shutout, leading the New Jersey Devils to a 3-0 victory over the Buffalo Sabres on Monday night.
UConn's Edsall could meet with Notre Dame AD today
UConn football coach Randy Edsall may not be the front-runner, but it's fairly clear he is a candidate for the vacant head coaching position at Notre Dame.Edsall could meet with Notre Dame Athletic Director Jack Swarbrick as early as today, a source close to the situation said Monday.

Golf: European Tour dates announced

Golf: European Tour dates announced
The 2010 European Tour golf schedule -- known as the Race to Dubai -- will feature a minimum of 47 events, including six new tournaments, culminating in the Dubai World Championship at the Jumeirah Golf Estates on November 25-28 -- the official European Tour Web site has confirmed.

Football: Vidic adds to Man Utd woes

Football: Vidic adds to Man Utd woes
Nemanja Vidic has been ruled out of Manchester United's Champions League trip to Wolfsburg on Tuesday, leaving manager Alex Ferguson with a threadbare defence as his team attempt to secure top spot in Group B.

Golf: Furyk ends long wait for victory

Golf: Furyk ends long wait for victory
Jim Furyk ended his season with a first victory in 28 months as he held off a strong European effort to win the Chevron World Challenge in California.

Football: Roma secure 'derby' honors

Football: Roma secure 'derby' honors
Roma moved up to sixth place in the Serie A table after a 1-0 victory in the Rome 'derby' against city rivals Lazio.
Warner, Cardinals dominate Favre, Vikings
GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Two old quarterbacks with golden resumes and ageless arms took the field Sunday night. Kurt Warner was marvelous, Brett Favre was miserable.
UConn accepts bid to PapaJohn's Bowl
STORRS -- If the dominoes had fallen differently Sunday the UConn football team may have found itself in a northern city such as Detroit or on Florida's west coast for a bowl game.Instead conventional wisdom prevailed, no trades were made and the Huskies are headed to Birmingham, Ala.

Tennis: Nadal, Ferrer seal Spain win

Tennis: Nadal, Ferrer seal Spain win
Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer completed Spain's Davis Cup final whitewash over the Czech Republic in Barcelona on Sunday.

Football: Sent-off Ronaldo Real hero
Cristiano Ronaldo is sent off after inspiring Real Madrid to an incident-packed 4-2 victory at home to Almeria, in which he creates a goal, scores one and also misses a penalty.
DUFFY: Questionable penalty reversed Pomperaug's fortunes
Pomperaug head football coach Chuck Drury called it a "questionable call." Steve Croce, the Panthers' offensive coordinator, called it a "difference maker." Senior tailback Ben Crick called it a "momentum change." The Panthers can be as politically correct as they want, but a fourth-quarter pass interference penalty against Pomperaug cornerback Wade McNamara in Saturday's Class L championship game was a flat-out bad call.

Golf: Yang leads Tiger's tournament

Golf: Yang leads Tiger's tournament
Korean golfer Y.E. Yang continued his superb year as he took a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Chevron World Challenge in California on Friday.

Kobe's three at buzzer sends Lakers past Heat

Football: Bayern up to third position
Germany striker Mario Gomez hit his third goal in consecutive Bundesliga games to help Bayern Munich seal a 2-1 win over Borussia Moenchengladbach to move up to third place in the table.
Kobe's three at buzzer sends Lakers past Heat
LOS ANGELES -- Kobe Bryant banked in a 3-pointer over Dwyane Wade's defense at the buzzer, ending the superstars' sensational duel and sending the Los Angeles Lakers to their eighth straight victory, 108-107 over the Miami Heat on Friday night.
Pomperaug getting another option test
SOUTHBURY --Another state playoff game, another option threat to defend.Top seed Pomperaug (12-0) will face another team that features a power option Saturday when the Panthers take on No. 3 Notre Dame-West Haven (10-1) for the Class L state football championship at Shelton High School at 2 p.

Football: Teams await World Cup draw

Football: Teams await World Cup draw
Millions of soccer fans around the globe are glued to their television screens as the clock ticks down on the draw for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, which is about to be made in Cape Town.

Golf: Parnevik hits out at Woods

Golf: Parnevik hits out at Woods
Jesper Parnevik admitted that he had "lost all respect" for fellow golfer Tiger Woods following revelations about the world number one's private life.
Red Raiders upend No. 12 Huskies in OT
LUBBOCK, Texas -- John Roberson scored a season-high 25 points and Texas Tech withstood an official review at the end of regulation that took away a 3-pointer for a 99-92 victory over No. 12 Washington on Thursday night in a matchup of unbeaten teams.

Football: Beckham looks to 2018

Football: Beckham looks to 2018
David Beckham has promised he will do everything in his power to help England win the bid to stage the 2018 World Cup.

No. 7 Oregon beats rival; headed to Rose Bowl

Football: Teams await World Cup draw
Millions of football fans around the globe will be glued to their television screens on Friday when the draw for the 32 nations involved in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa is made in Cape Town.
No. 7 Oregon beats rival; headed to Rose Bowl
EUGENE, Ore. -- Redshirt freshman LaMichael James ran for 166 yards and three touchdowns Thursday night to send No. 7 Oregon to the Rose Bowl with a 37-33 victory over No. 13 Oregon State in the Civil War.
Bethel QB armed for success
BETHEL -- The thing that makes Billy Ramirez a dangerous football player is his legs.The thing that makes Bethel a dangerous football team is his arm.Those statements might seem contradictory, but the senior quarterback's ability to bring balance to the Wildcats' offense has been one of the key ingredients behind their surprising run to Saturday's Class M state championship game.

2 hurt in fall from roof area at Cowboys Stadium

Cricket: Sehwag smashes double-ton
Virender Sehwag plundered the second-fastest Test double hundred as India piled on an incredible 443-1 off just 79 overs on the second day of the deciding third match against Sri Lanka in Mumbai.
2 hurt in fall from roof area at Cowboys Stadium
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Two maintenance workers who were not wearing safety harnesses fell from the roof area of towering Cowboys Stadium on Thursday morning, and at least one suffered serious injuries, authorities said.

2 workers fall from roof area at Cowboys Stadium
ARLINGTON, Texas -- Emergency crews atop Cowboys Stadium have rescued two workers who fell from a roof area while doing maintenance. The extent of the workers' injuries wasn't immediately known.

Former No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo retires from tennis
ISSY-LES-MOULINEAUX, France -- Two-time Grand Slam champion Amelie Mauresmo retired from tennis Thursday, saying she no longer had a burning desire for competition.

Golf: Woods 'liaison' to be discussed

Golf: Woods 'liaison' to be discussed
A woman who denied having an affair with Tiger Woods will hold a news conference with her lawyer Thursday, a day after Woods admitted his "transgressions."

Rockets beat Clippers 102-85

Boxing: Pacman back in political ring
World champion boxer Manny Pacquiao will make a second stab at the political arena next year, having registered to stand for Congress in his native Philippines.
Rockets beat Clippers 102-85
LOS ANGELES -- Aaron Brooks made his first eight shots and finished with 22 points, leading the Houston Rockets to a 102-85 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night.
High school football notebook
POMPERAUG FINDS SUCCESS WITH THE SPREAD -- When Pomperaug went to the spread offense last season, it seemed to be a failed experiment. The Panthers, who had several years of success with the power game, struggled out of the gate with four straight losses and finished the season 6-5, and stopped running the spread exclusively.

Football: Henry faces rap over handbal

Football: Henry faces rap over handbal
Thierry Henry could face FIFA disciplinary action over his handball which helped France to qualify for the finals of the 2010 World Cup at the expense of Ireland.

Allen Iverson signs with 76ers again
PHILADELPHIA -- Dust off the No. 3 jersey. Allen Iverson is a Philadelphia 76er again.

Woods apologizes for 'transgressions'

Woods apologizes for 'transgressions'
Tiger Woods apologized on Wednesday for "transgressions" that "let his family down" in another twist in the saga which began with him crashing his car into a fire hydrant last week.

Allen Iverson signs with 76ers
PHILADELPHIA -- Allen Iverson is rejoining the Philadelphia 76ers.

Australian Danny Green stops Roy Jones Jr. in 1st round
SYDNEY -- Australian Danny Green stopped Roy Jones Jr. in the first round of their IBO world cruiserweight title fight Wednesday, preventing the 40-year-old American from claiming his ninth title across five weight classes from middleweight to heavyweight.

Football: France unseeded for World Cup

Football: France unseeded for World Cup
FIFA announce the seedings for Friday's 2010 World Cup finals draw in a statement on their official web site, leaving former champions France unseeded.

Golf: Woman denies Woods affair

Golf: Woman denies Woods affair
A New York nightclub hostess identified by a supermarket tabloid as Tiger Woods' mistress has called allegations that she is romantically involved with the golf superstar false and "ridiculous."
Johnson's late goal lifts Los Angeles over Anaheim
ANAHEIM, Calif. -- Jack Johnson scored the go-ahead goal with 2:20 left in the third period and the Los Angeles Kings beat the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 on Tuesday night in the first meeting of the season between the Southern California rivals.
Staples kicker sets state record in Class LL semifinal win
Santiago Cuartas' state record 12th field goal of the season lifted No. 1 Staples to a 30-28 win over No. 4 Xavier in the Class LL state semifinals Tuesday night at Wilton's Fujitani Field.Cuartas' field goal put Staples up 31-21 with 2:40 left to play.

Boxing: Pacman back in political ring

Boxing: Pacman back in political ring
World champion boxer Manny Pacquiao will make a second stab at the political arena next year, having registered to stand for Congress in his native Philippines.

Football: FIFA to snub Irish request

Football: FIFA to snub Irish request
A top FIFA official has ruled out any chance of the Republic of Ireland being handed an extra place at the 2010 World Cup finals in the wake of the Thierry Henry handball controversy.

FIFA: Ireland cannot be extra World Cup team
CE TOWN, South Africa -- FIFA says Ireland will not be invited to the World Cup as a 33rd team despite the hand ball by Thierry Henry that helped France eliminate the Irish in a playoff.

Football: Messi named best in Europe

Football: Messi named best in Europe
Barcelona forward Lionel Messi has been named the best player in Europe, becoming the first Argentine to win the prestigious Ballon d'Or award on Tuesday.

Golf: Woods pulls out of own event

Golf: Woods pulls out of own event
State police in Florida said Monday they will continue investigating a single-vehicle crash involving pro golfer Tiger Woods.
Ellis scores 45 to lead Golden State
OAKLAND, Calif. -- Monta Ellis scored a career-high 45 points, Anthony Morrow added 18 and the injury-riddled Golden State Warriors beat the Indiana Pacers 126-107 on Monday night.
Pomperaug set to battle Simsbury in Class L football semifinal
SOUTHBURY -- Pomperaug High football coach Chuck Drury cites "chemistry."Running back/linebacker C.J. Elser mentions "karma."Whatever it is that's helped fuel the Panthers' 11-0 season and Tuesday's 6:30 p.m. appearance in a Class L state semifinal against the visiting No.