WORLD AT A GLANCE
FORMER Dutch World Cup captain Ruud Krol has signed a three-year deal to coach Esperance just two months after leaving another Tunisian side CS Sfaxien, the club announced on their website www.est.org.tn. Krol replaces Frenchman Sebastien Desabre, who has taken up the role of technical director. Krol, who was also coach of Orlando Pirates, quit as coach of CS Sfaxien in November after taking them to the African Confederation Cup title. Last May he was at the helm of Sfaxien as they pipped Esperance for the Tunisian league title. He also served as caretaker coach of Tunisia when they played against Cameroon in the World Cup qualifying playoff in October and November
Player, Clinton team up to fight obesity
GARY Player and former US president Bill Clinton have become allies in the fight against childhood obesity, even taking the message to the fairways of the PGA Tour. The past weekend’s Humana Challenge in California marked another major milestone in the partnership between Player, Clinton and Humana to promote a healthier lifestyle. “I am honoured to play a key role in spreading a message that is close to my heart. I greatly admire the efforts and commitment of Humana and President Clinton to promote lifelong wellbeing ,” said Player.
Krol takes over at Tunisia’s Esperance
Prostitution: Ribery, Benzema on trial
A TRIAL involving Bayern Munich winger Franck Ribery and Real Madrid forward Karim Benzema is back on track, with the two facing up to three years in prison on charges of soliciting an underage prostitute. The criminal court trial had initially been set for June but was adjourned for procedural reasons. It resumed yesterday without Ribery or Benzema present. They are legally entitled to be represented by their lawyers instead. Self-described escort Zahia Dehar, now 21, contends Ribery flew her to Munich as a birthday present to himself in 2009 when she was under 18. She says she lied to the players and told them she was an adult. Ribery says he didn’t know she was a prostitute or a minor. Benzema denies the allegations.
Mitchell earns Alan Border medal
ENGLAND tormentor Mitchell Johnson yesterday capped a remarkable summer by shading Test and one-day captain Michael Clarke to win the Allan Border Medal for Australia’s Player of the Year. The fearsome paceman took 168 of the votes made by the media, players and umpires to beat Clarke by 12 with James Faulkner a distant third. It was the 32year-old’s first Allan Border Medal win – judged on performances in Tests and one-dayers throughout the season – and denied Clarke a record fifth triumph.
Under-fire Cook mulls over captaincy
ENGLAND captain Alastair Cook has admitted for the first time that he will reconsider his leadership role after eight successive defeats to Australia. The hosts emphatically beat England on Sunday night by seven wickets with 10 overs to spare to seal the one-day series 3-0 and leave two dead matches still to play. Coming on top of a 5-0 Ashes whitewash, Cook said he would review his position as skipper once the tour is over.
Pakistan level series after sensational win
PAKISTAN pulled off a thrilling five-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the third and final Test in Sharjah yesterday, levelling the series at 1-1. Pakistan were set a daunting target of 302 in 59 overs on the fifth and final day, but they chased it down as if playing T20 cricket, with Azhar Ali (103) and Sarfraz Ahmed (48) sharing a rapid 89-run fourth wicket stand. Ali also shared an unbroken 109-run stand for the fifth wicket with Misbah-ul-Haq, who made 68 not out and went on to take the winning single with nine balls to spare. Sri Lanka won the second Test by nine wickets. The first Test was a draw.
O’Sullivan pots fifth snooker Masters
RONNIE O’Sullivan won his fifth Masters title with a 10-4 win over defending champion Mark Selby in the final at London’s Alexandra Palace. World champion O’Sullivan all but put the result against his fellow Englishman beyond doubt by storming into a 7-1 lead at the end of the first session in the best of 19 frames contest. “The Rocket”, cheered on by some raucous fans in what is effectively a “home” tournament given he hails from Chigwell, just east of London, then won the opening frame of the evening session. O’Sullivan collected a winner’s cheque of £200 000 (about R3,6-million).
Sharks fly out for date with Saracens
THE Sharks depart for London tomorrow for their friendly against Saracens on Saturday, their sole warm-up game ahead of their Super Rugby opener against the Bulls on February 15, and coach Jake White is hoping that he has better luck in terms of injuries. – Staff, Sapa-AP/AFP/Reuters