Global Sport

By reaching the Leipzig Open semi-finals yesterday, the former world number one increased her career earnings to a women’s record $ 20,348,992 (about Rs 85.46 crore).

The previous best of $ 20,344,061 (about Rs 85.44 crore) was set by Martina Navratilova.

SA confident of hosting World Cup

JOHANNESBURG: The head of South Africa’s 2006 World Cup bid has said they were confident of hosting the finals and shrugged off British claims to stage soccer’s top event.

“Our chances are very good in view of our preparation in meeting the criteria set out by Fifa,” Irvin Khoza, chairman of South Africa’s World Cup bid, told Reuters TV yesterday.

Meanwhile, Brazilian football legend Pele has thrown his weight behind South Africa’s campaign to stage the World Cup.

Holyfield-Lewis bout likely in Toronto

TORONTO: The heavyweight title fight between EvanderHolyfied and Lennox Lewis will be held in either Toronto or New York, the Toronto Star reported.“This is a two-horse race,” Greg Fritz, an official with Don King productions, told the Star. “The Toronto people have made an extremely attractive bid and Don is very interested in meeting these guys in person.”

Larsson sidelined for three months

STOCKHOLM: Magnus Larsson, a potential entry for defending champion Sweden in the Davis Cup finals against Italy next month, underwent successful surgery in his right wrist yesterday and will be sidelined at least three months.

Larsson, 28, a former top 10 player, will also miss next week’s Stockholm Open, one of the oldest indoor tournaments in the world, and the Australian Open in January.

South Australia bundle out England

ADELAIDE: England captain Alec Stewart and former skipper Mike Atherton returned to duty today but the Ashes tourists were bowled out for a disappointing 187 by South Australia.

Stewart (0) and Atherton (4) joined MarkButcher (2) and Graham Thorpe as top order failures after overcoming injuries to make their opening first-class games on tour.

In reply, South Australia was 26 for no wicket at stumps with Greg Blewett not out 10 and Martin Faull on 15.

Paceman Mark Harrity claimed 3-27 from 15.3 overs while Jason Gillespie, pressing for a recall to the Australian side after a long absence through injury, took 1-24 off 15 overs.